Cartridge, printing material supply system, and printing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cartridge includes a concave portion. The concave portion has an opening, first and second side walls, and a bottom wall, and the bottom wall has a tilted surface tilted. The tilted surface is provided with a cartridge side terminal group. The first side wall is provided with a first restriction portion which restricts movements in a +Z axis direction and a +X axis direction of an apparatus side terminal unit, and the second side wall is provided with a second restriction portion which restricts movements in the +Z axis direction and a −X axis direction of an apparatus side terminal unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/738,347, filed on Jan. 10, 2013, which claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Application No. 2012-022819 filed on Feb. 6,2012, No. 2012-005347 filed on Jan. 13, 2012, and No. 2012-013238 filedon Jan. 25, 2012 which are hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cartridge which accommodates aprinting material therein, a printing material supply system whichincludes a cartridge and a printing apparatus, and printing apparatus towhich the cartridge is detachably mounted.

2. Related Art

A printer which is an example of a printing apparatus has a cartridgethat accommodates ink therein and is detachably mounted thereto, andperforms printing by supplying the ink from the cartridge to a printinghead. Recently, a cartridge in which a circuit board that storesinformation regarding ink (for example, the color of ink) is mounted isused (for example, JP-A-2003-341100, JP-A-2007-230249, Specification ofU.S. Pat. No. 6,203,147, JP-T-2002-505212, and JP-T-2002-513341). Thecircuit board mounted in the cartridge includes a storage device thatstores the information regarding the ink and a terminal group (alsoreferred to as a “cartridge side terminal group”) for electricalconnection to a printer. As the cartridge is mounted to a cartridgemounting unit of the printer, the cartridge side terminal group comesinto contact with a terminal group (also referred to as an “apparatusside terminal group”) provided in the cartridge mounting unit.Accordingly, each terminal of the cartridge side terminal group iselectrically connected to the corresponding terminal of the apparatusside terminal group, such that signal reception and transmission betweenthe printer and the cartridge is performed.

However, in the techniques of JP-A-2003-341100 and JP-A-2007-230249, dueto manufacturing errors in the cartridge mounting unit or the cartridge,there is a possibility that the cartridge side terminal group and theapparatus side terminal group may not come into contact with each otherso as to be electrically connected.

In the technique of Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,147, aconnector provided with the apparatus side terminal group is movablyprovided in the cartridge mounting unit. Specifically, the connector isconfigured so as to be movable in a direction (the X axis direction andthe Y axis direction in FIG. 7 of Specification of U.S. Pat. No.6,203,147,) orthogonal to an insertion direction (the Z axis directionin FIG. 7 of Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,147,) of thecartridge. In addition, in the technique of Specification of U.S. Pat.No. 6,203,147, a recessed portion is provided in the front surface ofthe cartridge, and the cartridge side terminal group is arranged on theside surface in the recessed portion along the insertion direction. Inthis technique, since the connector is configured to be movable, theconnector is moved according to the position of the cartridge when thecartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit. Accordingly, thereis an attempt to achieve proper connection between the cartridge sideterminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

In the technique described above, positioning in the X axis directionand the Y axis direction of the connector is performed by four sidesurfaces of the recessed portion in which the cartridge side terminalgroup is arranged. Therefore, errors in the shape of the recessedportion occur due to design errors in the cartridge, and thus there is apossibility that contact between the cartridge side terminal group andthe apparatus side terminal group may not be properly achieved.

In addition, in the technique described above, there is a possibilitythat the apparatus side terminal group may rub against the side surfaceof the recessed portion or the cartridge side terminal group betweenwhen the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit and whenthe cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit. There may becases where the apparatus side terminal group rubs against the sidesurface of the recessed portion or the like, the constituent member ofthe cartridge is cut, and shavings are generated. In addition, there maybe cases where dust is pulled therein due to static electricitygenerated by rubbing of the apparatus side terminal group against theside surface of the recessed portion or the like. When shavings, dust,and the like are present at the periphery of the apparatus side terminalgroup and the cartridge side terminal group, there may be cases wherecontact between the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge sideterminal group is not properly achieved.

In addition, in the techniques of JP-T-2002-505212 and JP-T-2002-513341,the connector is configured to be movable in the X axis direction whichis a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of thecartridge. In addition, in the techniques of JP-T-2002-505212 andJP-T-2002-513341, the recessed portion is provided in the front surfaceof the cartridge, and the cartridge side terminal group is provided onthe bottom surface that is perpendicular to the insertion direction ofthe recessed portion. In the techniques of JP-T-2002-505212 andJP-T-2002-513341, as a guiding member provided in the recessed portionis inserted into a guiding slot of the cartridge mounting unit,positioning of the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus sideterminal group is performed.

In the techniques described above, the cartridge side terminal group isprovided on the bottom surface of the recessed portion which is recessedin the reverse direction to the insertion direction and has arelationship of opposing the apparatus side terminal group in theinsertion direction. Therefore, when the cartridge is attached to anddetached from the cartridge mounting unit, the possibility of theapparatus side terminal group rubbing against the cartridge may bereduced. However, the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatusside terminal group come into point contact with each other between whenthe cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit and isconnected thereto. Therefore, there is a possibility that contactbetween the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus sideterminal group may not be achieved due to a slight manufacturing errorin the cartridge mounting unit or the cartridge.

The problems as described above are significant particularly in a largeprinter which performs printing on a large-sized sheet (for example, A2to A0 sizes) because the size of the cartridge is increased.

The problems as mentioned above are problems that are not limited to thecartridge and the printer having the cartridge that is detachable, butare common to a printing apparatus that supplies (ejects) differenttypes of printing materials (for example, toner) from ink and acartridge that is detachably mounted to the printing apparatus.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides atechnique of properly achieving contact between a cartridge sideterminal group and an apparatus side terminal group.

The invention can be realized in the following forms or applicationexamples.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 1

According to Application Example 1, there is provided a cartridgedetachably mounted to a printing apparatus which includes, assuming thatthree orthogonal spatial axes respectively are an X axis, a Y axis, anda Z axis, directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axisrespectively are an X axis direction, a Y axis direction, and a Z axisdirection, positive directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Zaxis respectively are a +X axis direction, a +Y axis direction, and a +Zaxis direction, and negative directions along the X axis, the Y axis,and the Z axis respectively are a −X axis direction, a −Y axisdirection, and a −Z axis direction, a cartridge mounting unit into whichthe cartridge is inserted in the −Y axis direction toward an apparatusside front wall portion on a −Y axis direction side from an insertionhole on a +Y axis direction side, a printing material supply tubeprovided in the apparatus side front wall portion, and an apparatus sideterminal unit which is provided closer to +Z axis direction side thanthe printing material supply tube of the apparatus side front wallportion, the apparatus side terminal unit having an apparatus sideterminal group provided with a contact point on a surface tilted in adirection including a +Y axis direction component and a −Z axisdirection component and first and second positioning portionsrespectively provided on a +X axis direction side and a −X axisdirection side of the surface and being mounted in a state of beingmovable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction with respect tothe apparatus side front wall portion, the cartridge including: assumingthat the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis for the cartridge in amounted state in which the cartridge is mounted to the cartridgemounting unit respectively are an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis of thecartridge, two surfaces which oppose each other in the Y axis direction,the two surfaces including a rear surface positioned on the +Y axisdirection side and an approximately rectangular front surface that ispositioned on the −Y axis direction side and has a dimension in the Zaxis direction greater than a dimension in the X axis direction; twosurfaces which intersect the front surface and the rear surface andoppose each other in the Z axis direction, the two surfaces including afirst side surface positioned on the +Z axis direction side and a secondside surface positioned on a −Z axis direction side; two surfaces whichintersect the front surface, the rear surface, the first side surface,and the second side surface and oppose each other in the X axisdirection, the two surfaces including a third side surface positioned onthe +X axis direction side and a fourth side surface positioned on the−X axis direction side; a supply tube insertion hole which is providedin the front surface and into which the printing material supply tube isinserted; and a concave portion which is provided in a corner portion atwhich the front surface and the first side surface intersect each otherand into which the apparatus side terminal unit is inserted in themounted state, wherein the concave portion includes an opening which isan entrance when the apparatus side terminal unit is inserted into theconcave portion, and a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottomwall that constitute at least a part of an inner wall of the concaveportion, the first side wall and the second side wall oppose each otherin the X axis direction, and the first side wall is positioned on the +Xaxis direction side and the second side wall is positioned on the −Xaxis direction side, the bottom wall is tilted in a direction includinga −Y axis direction component and a +Z axis direction component and hasa tilted surface provided with a cartridge side terminal group thatcomes into contact with the apparatus side terminal group in the mountedstate, the first side wall is provided with a first restriction portionwhich restricts movements in the +Z axis direction and the +X axisdirection of the apparatus side terminal unit by coming into contactwith the first positioning portion in the +Z axis direction and the +Xaxis direction in the mounted state, and the second side wall isprovided with a second restriction portion which restricts movements inthe +Z axis direction and the −X axis direction of the apparatus sideterminal unit by coming into contact with the second positioning portionin the +Z axis direction and the −X axis direction in the mounted state.

In the printing apparatus to which the cartridge according toApplication Example 1 is mounted, the apparatus side terminal unit ismovable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction, and thecartridge according to Application Example 1 has the concave portioninto which the apparatus side terminal unit is inserted. Accordingly,even in a case where the cartridge mounting unit or the cartridge has amanufacturing error, the apparatus side terminal unit is guided into theconcave portion of the cartridge while absorbing the error as theapparatus side front wall portion is moved when the cartridge is mountedto the cartridge mounting unit. In addition, finally, the positioning ofthe apparatus side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal groupis performed by the first and second restriction portions provided inthe concave portion. That is, during the completion of the mounting andin the mounted state, the first and second restriction portions providedin the concave portion of the cartridge restrict the movements in the +Zaxis direction and the ±X axis direction of the first and secondpositioning portions of the apparatus side terminal unit, therebypositioning the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge sideterminal group. Therefore, contact between the apparatus side terminalgroup and the cartridge side terminal group may be properly achieved.

In addition, in the printing apparatus to which the cartridge accordingto Application Example 1 is mounted, the apparatus side terminal groupis provided on the surface tilted in the direction including the +Y axisdirection component and the −Z axis direction component, and in thecartridge according to Application Example 1, the cartridge sideterminal group is provided on the tilted surface tilted in the directionincluding the −Y axis direction component and the +Z axis directioncomponent. That is, both the apparatus side terminal group and thecartridge side terminal group are provided on the surfaces tilted in the−Y axis direction which is the insertion direction of all thecartridges. When the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mountingunit, the cartridge proceeds in the −Y axis direction. Here, thecartridge side terminal group also proceeds in the −Y axis direction andslowly approaches the apparatus side terminal group. However, the two donot come into contact with each other immediately before completing themounting. In the final stage of the mounting, after the apparatus sideterminal unit is inserted into the concave portion of the cartridge, theapparatus side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal groupslightly rub against each other immediately before completing themounting. In addition, during the completion of the mounting and in themounted state, the first and second restriction portions provided in theconcave portion of the cartridge restrict the movements in the +Z axisdirection and the ±X axis directions of the first and second positioningportions of the apparatus side terminal unit, thereby positioning theapparatus side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group. Assuch, while the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge sideterminal group rarely rub against each other during the mounting of thecartridge, the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge sideterminal group rub slightly against each other immediately beforecompleting the mounting of the cartridge, thereby reducing thepossibility of shavings being generated as the apparatus side terminalgroup rubs against the cartridge during the mounting of the cartridge.In addition, even in a case where dust is present in the vicinity of theapparatus side terminal group and is interposed between the apparatusside terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group, the apparatusside terminal group comes into contact while linearly rubbing on thesurface of the cartridge side terminal group and thus an effect ofdischarging the dust from the contact portion (a wiping effect) isexhibited, thereby reducing the possibility of dust being interposedbetween the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge sideterminal group.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 2

According to Application Example 1, each of the first restrictionportion and the second restriction portion may include a +Z axisdirection side contact surface which comes into contact with a +Z axisdirection end portion of the corresponding positioning portion from thefirst and second positioning portions and a −Z axis direction sidecontact surface which comes into contact with a −Z axis direction endportion of the corresponding positioning portion from the first andsecond positioning portions.

In the cartridge according to Application Example 2, in the mountedstate, the first restriction portion has the +Z axis direction sidecontact surface which comes into contact with the +Z axis direction endportion of the first positioning portion and the −Z axis direction sidecontact surface which comes into contact with the −Z axis direction endportion thereof, and the second restriction portion has the +Z axisdirection side contact surface which comes into contact with the +Z axisdirection end portion of the second positioning portion and the −Z axisdirection side contact surface which comes into contact with the −Z axisdirection end portion thereof. That is, the first and second restrictionportions restrict the movements in the ±Z direction of the first andsecond positioning portions. Accordingly, the positioning of theapparatus side terminal group with respect to the cartridge sideterminal group may be performed with good accuracy. Therefore, contactbetween the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge sideterminal group may be more properly achieved. Moreover, since theapparatus side terminal unit is able to be held on both sides in the +Zaxis direction and the −Z axis direction, even when vibration or impactsfrom the outside are exerted during the use of the printing apparatus, adeviation of the contact position between the apparatus side terminalgroup and the cartridge side terminal group due to the vibration andimpacts may be suppressed.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 3

In the cartridge according to Application Example 2, each of the firstrestriction portion and the second restriction portion may include anentrance part which extends toward the +Y axis direction side from theopening provided at an end surface on the −Y axis direction side and ofwhich a dimension in the Z axis direction is monotonically decreased inthe +Y axis direction, and a contact part which extends from an endportion in the +Y axis direction of the entrance part in the +Y axisdirection, has a constant dimension in the Z axis direction, and comesinto contact with the corresponding positioning portion from the firstand second positioning portions in the mounted state.

In the cartridge according to Application Example 3, since the entrancepart of which the dimension in the Z axis direction is monotonicallydecreased in the +Y axis direction from the −Y axis direction isincluded, even in a case where the cartridge or the cartridge mountingunit has a manufacturing error in the Z axis direction, the positioningportion of the apparatus side terminal unit which is movable in the Zaxis direction may be easily guided to the restriction portion providedin the concave portion of the cartridge. In addition, since the contactpart which has a constant dimension in the Z axis direction is included,the positioning of the apparatus side terminal group with respect to thecartridge side terminal group may be performed with good accuracy bycausing the positioning portion of the apparatus side terminal unit toadvance to the contact part after being guided to the entrance part.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 4

In the cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 3,each of the first and second restriction portions may include a +Y axisdirection side contact surface that comes into contact with a +Y axisdirection side end portion of the corresponding positioning portion fromthe first and second positioning portions in the mounted state.

In the cartridge according to Application Example 4, the first andsecond restriction portions respectively restrict the positions of the+Y axis direction side end portions of the first and second positioningportions. Accordingly, the apparatus side terminal unit may be preventedfrom strongly impacting the bottom wall in the cartridge concave portionby proceeding to far in the +Y axis direction when the cartridge isinserted into the cartridge mounting unit. Accordingly, the apparatusside terminal unit may be prevented from being broken.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 5

In the cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, apair of bottom wall side concave portions may be formed in the bottomwall between the tilted surface and the first side wall and between thetilted surface and the second side wall.

In the cartridge according to Application Example 5, approximatelytriangular surfaces are exposed on the +X axis direction side and the −Xaxis direction side of the cartridge side terminal group. Accordingly,in a case where the cartridge side terminal group is provided on acircuit board, it is possible to easily perform mounting or removal ofthe circuit board. In addition, when a pair of protrusions that protrudein the direction including the +Y axis direction component and the −Zaxis direction component with respect to the surface are provided on the+X axis direction side and the −X axis direction side of the apparatusside terminal group so as to be received by the bottom wall side concaveportions, in addition to the positioning of or suppressing of apositional deviation between the cartridge side terminal group and theapparatus side terminal group by the restriction portion and thepositioning portion, it is possible to position the two or suppress apositional deviation therebetween even at the positions close to thecartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.Therefore, contact between the apparatus side terminal group and thecartridge side terminal group may be more properly achieved.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 6

In the cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5, arod insertion hole which is provided at an intermediate position in theZ axis direction of the front surface between the first side surface andthe second side surface and into which a rod provided in the apparatusside front wall portion is inserted may further be included, and thesupply tube insertion hole may be provided between the rod insertionhole and the concave portion.

In the cartridge according to Application Example 6, as the rod isinserted into the rod insertion hole, positioning of the entirety of thecartridge with respect to the cartridge mounting unit is performed, andthus a positional deviation from the correct mounting position issuppressed. Therefore, a positional deviation in the vicinity of the rodinsertion hole may be properly suppressed. However, the cartridge sideterminal group provided in the corner portion of the front surface andthe rod insertion hole are at positions separated from each other, andthus there may be cases where it is difficult to suppress a positionaldeviation of such a member that is at a position separated from the rodinsertion hole. In particular, the large-capacity type cartridge used inthe printing apparatus for large-sized printing has a large size, andthe cartridge side terminal group and the rod insertion hole are atpositions somewhat separated from each other. However, as describedabove, by employing the configurations of the apparatus side terminalunit that is movable in the X axis direction and the Z axis directionand the concave portion into which the apparatus side terminal unit isinserted, positioning of the cartridge side terminal group and theapparatus side terminal group may be performed with good accuracy. Thatis, even with the large-capacity type cartridge having a large size, itis possible to position the apparatus side terminal group and thecartridge side terminal group with good accuracy while performing thepositioning of the entirety of the cartridge with good accuracy andabsorbing a manufacturing error in the cartridge.

In addition, according to this application example, the supply tubeinsertion hole into which the printing material supply tube is insertedis provided between the rod insertion hole and the concave portion. Thatis, the printing material supply tube is provided at a position close tothe rod. In addition, the supply tube insertion hole is provided at aposition close to the rod insertion hole. Therefore, a positionaldeviation between the printing material supply tube and the supply tubeinsertion hole may be properly suppressed.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 7

In the cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6,the first restriction portion may be a groove recessed in the +X axisdirection from the first side wall, and the second restriction portionmay be a groove recessed in the −X axis direction from the second sidewall.

In the cartridge according to Application Example 7, since the groovesare respectively formed in the first and second side walls, the firstand second restriction portions for restricting the movements of thefirst and second positioning portions may be easily formed.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 8

In the cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6,the first restriction portion may be configured as a convex portion thatprotrudes in the −X axis direction from the first side wall, and thesecond restriction portion may be configured as a convex portion thatprotrudes in the +X axis direction from the second side wall.

In the cartridge according to Application Example 8, since the convexportions that protrude in the X axis direction are respectively providedto the first side wall and the second side wall, the first positioningportion and the second positioning portion may be easily formed.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 9

According to Application Example 9, there is provided a printingmaterial supply system including: a printing apparatus; and thecartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 8, whereinthe printing apparatus includes, assuming that three orthogonal spatialaxes respectively are an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, directionsalong the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis respectively are an X axisdirection, a Y axis direction, and a Z axis direction, positivedirections along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis respectively area +X axis direction, a +Y axis direction, and a +Z axis direction, andnegative directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axisrespectively are a −X axis direction, a −Y axis direction, and a −Z axisdirection, a cartridge mounting unit into which the cartridge isinserted in the −Y axis direction toward an apparatus side front wallportion on a −Y axis direction side from an insertion hole on a +Y axisdirection side, a printing material supply tube provided in theapparatus side front wall portion, and an apparatus side terminal unitwhich is provided closer to a +Z axis direction side than the printingmaterial supply tube of the apparatus side front wall portion, and theapparatus side terminal unit has an apparatus side terminal groupprovided with a contact point on a surface tilted in a directionincluding a +Y axis direction component and a −Z axis directioncomponent and first and second positioning portions respectivelyprovided on a +X axis direction side and a −X axis direction side of thesurface, and is mounted in a state of being movable in the X axisdirection and the Z axis direction with respect to the apparatus sidefront wall portion.

In the printing material supply system according to Application Example9, a holder provided with the apparatus side terminal group isconfigured to be movable in the X axis direction and the Z axisdirection. Accordingly, even in the case where the cartridge mountingunit or the cartridge has a manufacturing error, the apparatus sideterminal group provided in the holder is moved to the position thatcomes into contact with the cartridge side terminal group when thecartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit. In addition,finally, the positioning of the apparatus side terminal group and thecartridge side terminal group is performed by the first and secondrestriction portions provided in the concave portion of the cartridge.That is, during the completion of the mounting and in the mounted state,the movements in the +Z axis direction and the ±X axis direction of thefirst and second positioning portions of the apparatus side terminalunit are restricted by the first and second restriction portionsprovided in the concave portion of the cartridge, thereby positioningthe apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group.Therefore, contact between the apparatus side terminal group and thecartridge side terminal group may be properly achieved. In addition, byemploying the cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1to 8, the same effects as those described in Application Examples 1 to 8are exhibited.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 10

According to Application Example 10, there is provided a printingapparatus to which a cartridge having a cartridge side terminal group isdetachably mounted, including: assuming that three orthogonal spatialaxes respectively are an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, directionsalong the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis respectively are an X axisdirection, a Y axis direction, and a Z axis direction, positivedirections along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis respectively area +X axis direction, a +Y axis direction, and a +Z axis direction, andnegative directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axisrespectively are a −X axis direction, a −Y axis direction, and a −Z axisdirection, a cartridge mounting unit into which the cartridge isinserted in the −Y axis direction toward an apparatus side front wallportion on a −Y axis direction side from an insertion hole on a +Y axisdirection side; a printing material supply tube provided in theapparatus side front wall portion; and an apparatus side terminal unitwhich is provided closer to a +Z axis direction side than the printingmaterial supply tube of the apparatus side front wall portion, whereinthe apparatus side terminal unit has an apparatus side terminal groupprovided with a contact point on a surface tilted in a directionincluding a +Y axis direction component and a −Z axis directioncomponent and first and second positioning portions respectivelyprovided on a +X axis direction side and a −X axis direction side of thesurface, and is mounted in a state of being movable in the X axisdirection and the Z axis direction with respect to the apparatus sidefront wall portion.

In the printing apparatus according to Application Example 10, theapparatus side terminal unit having the apparatus side terminal group ismovable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction. Accordingly,even in the case where the cartridge mounting unit or the cartridge hasa manufacturing error, the apparatus side terminal group is moved to theposition that comes into contact with the cartridge side terminal groupwhen the cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit. Therefore,contact between the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge sideterminal group may be properly achieved.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 11

In the printing apparatus according to Application Example 10, thecartridge mounting unit may include two wall portions that intersect theapparatus side front wall portion and oppose each other in the Z axisdirection, the two wall portions including a first apparatus side sidewall portion disposed on the +Z axis direction side and a secondapparatus side side wall portion disposed on a −Z axis direction side, arod having a center axis parallel to the Y axis direction may beprovided at an intermediate position in the apparatus side front wallportion between the first apparatus side side wall portion and thesecond apparatus side side wall portion, and the printing materialsupply tube may be provided between the rod and the apparatus sideterminal unit.

In the printing apparatus according to Application Example 11, theentirety of the cartridge with respect to the cartridge mounting unit ispositioned by the rod, and thus a positional deviation from the correctmounting position may be suppressed. In addition, the printing materialsupply tube is provided between the rod and the apparatus side terminalunit. That is, the printing material supply tube is provided at aposition relatively close to the rod. Therefore, a positional deviationbetween the printing material supply tube and the supply tube insertionhole of the cartridge into which the printing material supply tube isinserted may be properly suppressed. As such, although the positionaldeviation in the vicinity of the rod is able to be properly suppressed,the apparatus side terminal group and the rod are at positions separatedfrom each other, and there may be cases where it is difficult tosuppress the positional deviation. In particular, the printer forlarge-sized printing has a large size, and the apparatus side terminalunit and the rod are at positions somewhat separated from each other.However, as such, by employing the apparatus side terminal unit that ismovable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction, the apparatusside terminal group is moved to the position that comes into contactwith the cartridge side terminal group when the cartridge is mounted tothe cartridge mounting unit. Therefore, positioning of the cartridgeside terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group may beperformed with good accuracy.

In addition, the invention is able to be realized as various forms, andbe realized as a printing apparatus, a method of manufacturing aprinting apparatus, a method of manufacturing a cartridge, and the likebesides the configurations of the above-described cartridge and theprinting material supply system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of aprinting material supply system.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating a mounted cartridgemounting unit.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagram of a circulation part on a cartridgemounting unit side.

FIG. 5 is a first external perspective view of the cartridge mountingunit.

FIG. 6 is a second external perspective view of the cartridge mountingunit.

FIG. 7 is a third external perspective view of the cartridge mountingunit.

FIG. 8 is a fourth external perspective view of the cartridge mountingunit.

FIG. 9 is a fifth external perspective view of the cartridge mountingunit.

FIG. 10 is a first external perspective view of an apparatus side frontwall portion and the peripheral members thereof.

FIG. 11 is a second external perspective view of the apparatus sidefront wall portion and the peripheral members thereof.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus side front wallportion and the peripheral members thereof.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII of FIG.10.

FIG. 14 is a first exploded perspective view of an apparatus sideterminal unit.

FIG. 15 is a second exploded perspective view of the apparatus sideterminal unit.

FIG. 16 is a first external perspective view of the apparatus sideterminal unit.

FIG. 17 is a second external perspective view of the apparatus sideterminal unit.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a first external perspective view of a cartridge.

FIG. 20 is a second external perspective view of the cartridge.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the cartridge.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the cartridge.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the cartridge.

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the cartridge.

FIG. 25 is a first side view of the cartridge.

FIG. 26 is a second side view of the cartridge.

FIG. 27 is an external perspective view of the vicinity of a concaveportion.

FIG. 28 is a front view of the vicinity of the concave portion.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXIX-XXIX of FIG.28.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXX-XXX of FIG.28.

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a state of the connection betweenthe apparatus side terminal unit and a circuit board.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXII-XXXII inthe mounted state.

FIG. 33 is a first diagram illustrating an embodiment of the contact.

FIG. 34 is a second diagram illustrating the embodiment of the contact.

FIG. 35 is a third diagram illustrating the embodiment of the contact.

FIG. 36 is a fourth diagram illustrating the embodiment of the contact.

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge.

FIG. 38A is a front view of a first modified embodiment.

FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view taken along the lineXXXVIIIB-XXXVIIIB of FIG. 38A.

FIG. 39A is a front view of a second modified embodiment.

FIG. 39B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXIXB-XXXIXB ofFIG. 39A.

FIG. 40A is a front view of a third modified embodiment.

FIG. 40B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXB-XXXXB ofFIG. 40A.

FIG. 41A is a front view of a fourth modified embodiment.

FIG. 41B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXIB-XXXXIB ofFIG. 41A.

FIG. 42A is a front view of a fifth modified embodiment.

FIG. 42B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXIIB-XXXXIIBof FIG. 42A.

FIG. 43A is a front view of a sixth modified embodiment.

FIG. 43B is a cross-sectional view taken along the lineXXXXIIIB-XXXXIIIB of FIG. 43A.

FIG. 44A is a front view of a seventh modified embodiment.

FIG. 44B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXIVB-XXXXIVBof FIG. 44A.

FIG. 45A is a front view of an eighth modified embodiment.

FIG. 45B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXVB-XXXXVB ofFIG. 45A.

FIG. 46A is a front view of a ninth modified embodiment.

FIG. 46B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXVIB-XXXXVIBof FIG. 46A.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Next, embodiments of the invention will be described in the followingorder:

-   A. First Example-   B. Second Example-   C. Modified Example

A. FIRST EXAMPLE A-1. Entire Configuration of Printing Material SupplySystem

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of aprinting material supply system 1. In FIG. 1, the X, Y, and Z axes whichare three orthogonal spatial axes are drawn. The directions in which thearrows of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are directedrespectively represent positive directions along the X axis, the Y axis,and the Z axis. The positive directions along the X axis, the Y axis,and the Z axis are respectively denoted by a +X axis direction, a +Yaxis direction, and a +Z axis direction. The directions reverse to thedirections in which the arrows of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axisare directed respectively represent negative directions along the Xaxis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. The negative directions along the Xaxis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are respectively denoted by a −X axisdirection, a −Y axis direction, and a −Z axis direction. Directionsalong the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis regardless of whether beingpositive or negative are respectively called an X axis direction, a Yaxis direction, and a Z axis direction. This applies the same to thefigures and description described later. The directions of the X, Y, andZ axes drawn in the other figures correspond to those of the X, Y, and Zaxes of FIG. 1. The printing material supply system 1 includes a printer10 as a printing apparatus and a cartridge 4.

The printer 10 of this embodiment is an ink jet printer that dischargesink from a head 22. The printer 10 is a large printer that performsprinting on a large-sized sheet (A2 to A0 and the like) such as aposter. The printer 10 includes a cartridge mounting unit 6, a controlunit 31, a carriage 20, the head 22, and a driving mechanism 30. Inaddition, the printer 10 includes an operation button 15 for a user tooperate the operations of the printer 10.

In the cartridge mounting unit 6, each of a plurality of cartridges 4 isdetachably mounted. In this example, four types of single cartridges 4respectively corresponding to four colors (black, yellow, magenta, andcyan) of ink, that is, a total of four cartridges 4 are mounted to thecartridge mounting unit 6. In the printer 10 of this example, anexchange cover 13 is provided as the front surface (the surface on the+Y axis direction side). The +Z axis direction side of the exchangecover 13 is tilted forward (the +Y axis direction side), the opening ofthe cartridge mounting unit 6 appears, and thus attaching and detachingof the cartridge 4 becomes possible. When the cartridge 4 is mounted tothe cartridge mounting unit 6, the ink is able to be supplied to thehead 22 provided in the carriage 20 via a tube 24. In this example, theink in the cartridge 4 is suctioned by a pumping mechanism (not shown)of the printer 10, thereby supplying the ink to the head 22. Inaddition, the tube 24 is provided for each of the types of the ink. Inaddition, a state in which the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridgemounting unit 6 is also called a “mounted state”.

In the head 22, a nozzle is provided for each of the types of the ink.The head 22 prints data such as text and images by ejecting the inktoward a printing sheet 2 from ejection nozzles. In addition, a form inwhich the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6 anddetailed configurations of the cartridge 4 and the cartridge mountingunit 6 will be described later. In addition, in this example, theprinter 10 is a printer called a so-called “off-carriage type” in whichthe cartridge mounting unit 6 is not linked to the movement of thecarriage 20. The invention may also be applied to a printer called aso-called “on-carriage type” in which the cartridge mounting unit 6 isprovided in the carriage 20 and the cartridge mounting unit 6 is movedalong with the carriage 20.

The control unit 31 performs control of each unit of the printer 10 andsignal reception and transmission with the cartridge 4. The carriage 20moves the head 22 relative to the printing sheet 2.

The driving mechanism 30 reciprocates the carriage 20 on the basis of acontrol signal from the control unit 31. The driving mechanism 30includes a timing belt 32 and a driving motor 34. By transmitting thepower of the driving motor 34 to the carriage 20 via the timing belt 32,the carriage 20 is reciprocated in a main scanning direction (the X axisdirection). In addition, the printer 10 includes a transport mechanismfor moving the printing sheet 2 in a sub-scanning direction (the +Y axisdirection). When printing is performed, the printing sheet 2 is moved inthe sub-scanning direction by the transport mechanism, and the printingsheet 2 is output onto the front surface cover 11 after completing theprinting.

In addition, at a position outside a printing region in which thecarriage 20 is moved in the main scanning direction, a region called ahome position is provided. At the home position, a maintenance mechanismthat performs maintenance for enabling normal printing is mounted. Themaintenance mechanism is constituted by a cap member 8 which is pressedagainst a surface (nozzle surface) where the nozzles are formed on thebottom surface side (a side toward the printing sheet 2) of the head 22and forms a closed space to surround the ejection nozzles, an elevatingmechanism (not shown) that elevates the cap member 8 so as to be pressedagainst the nozzle surface of the head 22, a suction pump (not shown)that introduces a negative pressure to the closed space formed by thecap member 8 pressed against the nozzle surface of the head 22, and thelike.

In this example, in a use state of the printing material supply system 1(the printer 10 and the cartridge 4), the axis along the sub-scanningdirection in which the printing sheet 2 is transported is referred to asthe Y axis, the axis along the direction of gravity (upward and rearwarddirection) is referred to as the Z axis, and the axis along the movementdirection (left and right direction) of the carriage 20 is referred toas the X direction. Here, the “use state of the printing material supplysystem 1” is referred to as a state in which the printing materialsupply system 1 is installed on a horizontal surface. In addition, inthis example, the sub-scanning direction (forward direction) is referredto as the +Y axis direction, the reverse direction thereto (rearwarddirection) is referred to as the −Y axis direction, a direction (upwarddirection) directed upward from below in the direction of gravity isreferred to as the +Z axis direction, and the reverse direction thereto(downward direction) is referred to as the −Z axis direction. Inaddition, when the printing material supply system 1 is viewed from theforward side (the +Y axis direction side), a direction directed to theleft from the right is referred to as the +X axis direction, and thereverse direction thereto is referred to as the −X axis direction. Inaddition, in this example, the insertion direction in which thecartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6 is also referredto as the −Y axis direction, and the direction in which the cartridge 4is detached from the cartridge mounting unit 6 is also referred to asthe +Y axis direction. Therefore, in the cartridge mounting unit 6, the−Y axis direction side is also called an inner side, and the +Y axisdirection side is also called a forward side. In addition, in thisexample, the arrangement direction of the plurality of cartridges 4 isalso referred to as the X axis direction.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating the cartridgemounting unit 6 in the mounted state. In FIG. 2, a form in which thefour cartridges 4 are mounted to the respective slots of the cartridgemounting unit 6 is illustrated. Levers 672 are pushed down to the threeslots excluding one slot in the −X axis direction side from the fourslots. As such, since the levers 672 are pushed down after thecartridges 4 are mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6, the movementof the cartridge 4 is restricted, and thus the cartridge 4 is preventedfrom coming away from the cartridge mounting unit 6. When the cartridge4 is detached from the cartridge mounting unit 6, the lever 672 ispushed up to release the restriction, and the cartridge 4 is detached.The lever 672 is provided to be movable in the Z axis direction in awall portion 67 in which an insertion hole 69 through which thecartridge 4 passes when being attached and detached is formed. The inkof the mounted cartridge 4 is circulated to the tube 24 as the pumpingmechanism 7 is driven. In addition, the detailed configuration of thecartridge mounting unit 6 will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2.FIG. 3 illustrates a part of the cartridge mounting unit 6 and thecartridge 4. When the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mountingunit 6, the ink from a printing material accommodation portion 450 ofthe cartridge 4 is circulated to the tube 24 as indicated by the arrowby driving of the pumping mechanism 7.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagram of a part on the −Y axis direction side inFIG. 3. In the mounted state, each constituent member of the cartridge 4and the cartridge mounting unit 6 is arranged as follows.

That is, a printing material supply tube 642 of the cartridge mountingunit 6 is inserted into and connected to a printing material lead-outtube 484 of the cartridge 4. The printing material lead-out tube 484circulates the ink of the printing material accommodation portion 450 tothe outside (the printing material supply tube 642). The printingmaterial supply tube 642 circulates the ink discharged from the printingmaterial lead-out tube 484 so as to be sent toward the head. Inaddition, in the mounted state, a rod 662 of the cartridge mounting unit6 abuts onto a lever member 490 of the cartridge 4. The rod 662 and thelever member 490 are used to detect a state in which the ink of theprinting material accommodation portion 450 is exhausted (also called an“ink end state”) by the printer 10 side. Specifically, the ink end stateis detected by detecting the displacement of the rod 662 using a sensor138. Here, the ink end state is referred to as a state in which the inkinside the cartridge 4 is depleted or a state in which little ink isleft.

In addition, each terminal of a cartridge side terminal group (notshown) provided on the surface of a circuit board 50 of the cartridge 4comes into contact with the corresponding terminal of an apparatus sideterminal group 721 of the cartridge mounting unit 6. The apparatus sideterminal group 721 is electrically connected to a connector 739, andwires (not shown) connected to the connector 739 are electricallyconnected to the control unit 31 of the printer 10. Accordingly, astorage device of the circuit board 50 and the control unit 31 areelectrically connected to each other, and thus signal reception andtransmission between the control unit 31 and the circuit board 50becomes possible. Here, the apparatus side terminal group 721 and theconnector 739 are constituent members of an apparatus side terminal unit70. In addition, the detailed configuration of the apparatus sideterminal unit 70 will be described later.

A-2. Detailed Configuration of Cartridge Mounting Unit

The detailed configuration of the cartridge mounting unit 6 will bedescribed using FIGS. 5 to 9. FIG. 5 is a first external perspectiveview of the cartridge mounting unit 6. FIG. 6 is a second externalperspective view of the cartridge mounting unit 6. FIG. 7 is a thirdexternal perspective view of the cartridge mounting unit 6. FIG. 8 is afourth external perspective view of the cartridge mounting unit 6. FIG.9 is a fifth external perspective view of the cartridge mounting unit 6.In addition, in FIGS. 5 and 8, the tube 24 mounted to the cartridgemounting unit 6 is illustrated. In addition, in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9,illustration of partial configurations is omitted so that the internalconfiguration of cartridge mounting unit 6 is visible. In addition, thecartridge mounting unit 6 of this example has the four cartridges 4 thatare independently attachable and detachable and is configured so thatthe number of cartridges 4 attached and detached is increased dependingon the specification of the printer 10. That is, as illustrated in FIG.6, on the farthest +X axis direction side, reserve mounting spaces ormembers are provided so that the increased number of cartridges 4 areable to be mounted thereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the cartridge mounting unit 6, a cartridgeaccommodation chamber 61 that accommodates the cartridges 4 is formed bysix wall portions mentioned below. The cartridge accommodation chamber61 has an approximate rectangular parallelepiped shape. The shape of thecartridge accommodation chamber 61 corresponds to the external shape ofthe cartridges 4. In addition, in the cartridge accommodation chamber61, each part that accommodates one of the four cartridges 4 is called aslot.

The cartridge mounting unit 6 includes an apparatus side front wallportion 62, a first apparatus side side wall portion 63, and a secondapparatus side side wall portion 64. In addition, the cartridge mountingunit 6 includes a third apparatus side side wall portion 65, a fourthapparatus side side wall portion 66, and an opening wall portion 67. Thecartridge accommodation chamber 61 is partitioned and formed by the sixwall portions 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67. Each of the external shapes ofthe six wall portions 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 is an approximatelyrectangular shape.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus side front wall portion62 is positioned on the −Y axis direction side with respect to thecartridge accommodation chamber 61. The apparatus side front wallportion 62 is a vertical wall portion in the use state of the printer10.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the apparatus side front wall portion 62,the apparatus side terminal unit 70, a printing material supplymechanism 640, and the rod 662 are provided. Specifically, in the orderdirected from the +Z axis direction to the −Z axis direction, theapparatus side terminal unit 70, the printing material supply mechanism640, and the rod 662 are arranged. The apparatus side terminal unit 70and the printing material supply mechanism 640 are provided in thesurface on the +Y axis direction side (the side where the cartridgeaccommodation chamber 61 is positioned) of the apparatus side front wallportion 62. In addition, the rod 662 is provided to penetrate throughthe apparatus side front wall portion 62 in the Y axis direction. On the−Y axis direction side (on the opposite side to the cartridgeaccommodation chamber 61) of the apparatus side front wall portion 62,the pumping mechanism 7 is provided.

The printing material supply mechanism 640 includes the printingmaterial supply tube 642 described above and is used to circulate theink in the cartridge 4 toward the printer 10. The apparatus sideterminal unit 70 includes the above-described apparatus side terminalgroup 721 (FIG. 7) and the connector 739 (FIG. 6) and is used toelectrically connect the cartridge 4 and the printer 10 to each other.As illustrated in FIG. 6, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 isprovided closer to the first apparatus side side wall portion 63 side(the +Z axis direction side) than the printing material supply tube 642.The rod 662 is used to detect the ink end state of the cartridge 4 bythe printer 10 side. That is, the rod 662 constitutes a part of adetecting mechanism of the printer 10 described later. In addition, therod 662 also functions as a positioning member for suppressing apositional deviation from the correct mounting position when thecartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6. In addition,the detailed configuration of each of the apparatus side terminal unit70, the printing material supply mechanism 640, and the rod 662 will bedescribed later.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first apparatus side side wall portion 63is positioned on the +Z axis direction side with respect to thecartridge accommodation chamber 61. The first apparatus side side wallportion 63 is provided in a direction intersecting the apparatus sidefront wall portion 62. In this example, the first apparatus side sidewall portion 63 is provided in a direction orthogonal to the apparatusside front wall portion 62. The first apparatus side side wall portion63 is a horizontal wall portion in the use state of the printer 10. Thefirst apparatus side side wall portion 63 constitutes the upper surfaceof the cartridge mounting unit 6. In addition, in this specification,“intersect” means any state of (i) a state where two elements intersecteach other and actually intersect, (ii) a state where one elementintersects the other element when extending, and (iii) a state wheremutual elements intersect each other in a case where each of the mutualelements extends.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first apparatus side side wall portion 63has first rails 682 for guiding the cartridges 4 to the mountingpositions. The first rails 682 are provided to correspond to at leastthe number of cartridges 4 mounted. In this example, four correspondingto the number of cartridges 4 actually mounted and one reserve, that is,a total of five first rails 682 are provided. The first rails 682 aregrooves which extend in the Y axis direction and into which parts of thecartridges 4 are inserted. In addition, an end portion on the −Y axisdirection side of the first rail 682 is provided with a leaf spring 684as a locking member. In the mounted state, as the leaf spring 684 locksthe cartridge 4, the cartridge 4 is prevented from coming away from thecartridge mounting unit 6.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 9, the second apparatus side side wallportion 64 is positioned on the −Z axis direction side with respect tothe cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The second apparatus side sidewall portion 64 opposes the first apparatus side side wall portion 63with the cartridge accommodation chamber 61 interposed therebetween. Thesecond apparatus side side wall portion 64 is provided in a directionintersecting the apparatus side front wall portion 62. In this example,the second apparatus side side wall portion 64 is orthogonal to theapparatus side front wall portion 62. The second apparatus side sidewall portion 64 is a horizontal wall portion in the use state of theprinter 10. The second apparatus side side wall portion 64 constitutesthe bottom surface of the cartridge mounting unit 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second apparatus side side wall portion 64has second rails 602 for guiding the cartridges 4 to the mountingpositions. The second rails 602 are provided to correspond to at leastthe number of cartridges 4 mounted. In this example, five second rails602 are provided like the first rails 682. The second rails 602 aregrooves which extend in the Y axis direction and into which parts of thecartridges 4 are inserted. In addition, an end portion on the −Y axisdirection side of the second rail 602 is provided with a leaf spring 604as a locking member. In the mounted state, as the leaf spring 604 locksthe cartridge 4, the cartridge 4 is prevented from coming away from thecartridge mounting unit 6. The first rail 682 and the second rail 602having the same cartridge 4 mounted therebetween are provided atpositions facing each other with the cartridge accommodation chamber 61interposed therebetween.

The dimensions in the X axis direction of the first rail 682 and thesecond rail 602 are different from each other. Specifically, thedimension in the X axis direction of the first rail 682 is smaller thanthat of the second rail 602. Accordingly, in a case where the cartridge4 is to be inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 6 while thedimension in the Z axis direction is reversed by mistake, aconfiguration in which the cartridge 4 is not able to be insertedbetween the first and second rails 682 and 602 is achieved. Accordingly,the possibility of the cartridge 4 being inserted into the cartridgemounting unit 6 in a wrong state in which the direction in the Z axisdirection is reversed may be reduced.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the second apparatus side sidewall portion 64, at positions close to the apparatus side front wallportion 62, apparatus side identification members 610 are provided. Theapparatus side identification members 610 are provided to correspond tothe number of cartridges 4 mounted. In this example, four apparatus sideidentification members 610 are provided. The apparatus sideidentification members 610 are used to identify whether or not thecorrect type (in this example, ink color) of cartridge 4 is mounted ineach slot of the cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The apparatus sideidentification members 610 form different shapes depending on the colorsof ink in the mounted cartridges 4. Specifically, each of the apparatusside identification members 610 is formed by one or more ribs, and apattern determined by the number of ribs and the positions thereofvaries depending on the type of the cartridge 4. In the cartridge 4, anidentification member (also referred to as a “cartridge sideidentification member”) formed by ribs is provided. The identificationmembers of the cartridges 4 form different shapes depending on thecolors of the ink accommodated. In addition, in a case where the correcttype of cartridge 4 is inserted into the slot, the apparatus sideidentification member 610 and the cartridge side identification memberare fitted to each other. On the other hand, in a case where a wrongtype of cartridge 4 is inserted into the slot, the apparatus sideidentification member 610 and the cartridge side identification memberare not able to be fitted to each other. Accordingly, the possibility ofa wrong type of cartridge 4 being mounted into each of the slots of thecartridge mounting unit 6 may be reduced.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the second apparatus side sidewall portion 64, at positions close to the apparatus side front wallportion 62, restriction members 612 are provided. The restrictionmembers 612 are provided to correspond to the number of cartridges 4mounted. In this example, although five restriction members 612 areprovided, the number that is actually used is four. The restrictionmember 612 abuts onto the cartridge 4 when the cartridge 4 is insertedinto the cartridge accommodation chamber 61 of the cartridge mountingunit 6 toward the apparatus side front wall portion 62 on the −Y axisdirection side from the insertion hole 69 (FIG. 5) on the +Y axis sideand reaches the correct mounting position. Accordingly, the possibilityof the cartridge 4 being further pushed from the correct mountingposition may be reduced.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the opening wall portion 67 is positioned onthe +Y axis direction side with respect to the cartridge accommodationchamber 61. The opening wall portion 67 has the insertion hole 69 forpassing the cartridge 4 therethrough during attaching and detaching ofthe cartridge 4. The opening wall portion 67 opposes the apparatus sidefront wall portion 62 with the cartridge accommodation chamber 61interposed therebetween. The opening wall portion 67 is provided in thedirection intersecting the first apparatus side side wall portion 63 andthe second apparatus side side wall portion 64. In this example, theopening wall portion 67 is orthogonal to the first apparatus side sidewall portion 63 and the second apparatus side side wall portion 64. Theopening wall portion 67 is a vertical wall portion in the use state ofthe printer 10.

The opening wall portion 67 is provided with the levers 672 that aremovable in the Z axis direction. The lever 672 is moved in the −Z axisdirection after the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mountingunit 6. Accordingly, the lever 672 is caught on the cartridge 4 andprevents the cartridge 4 from being detached by mistake. The state inwhich the lever 672 is caught on the cartridge 4 is a state shown by thethree levers 672 corresponding to the three cartridges 4 positioned onthe +X axis direction of FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, the third apparatus side side wallportion 65 is positioned on the +X axis direction side with respect tothe cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The third apparatus side sidewall portion 65 is provided in a direction intersecting the apparatusside front wall portion 62, the first apparatus side side wall portion63, the second apparatus side side wall portion 64, and the opening wallportion 67. In this example, the third apparatus side side wall portion65 is orthogonal to the apparatus side front wall portion 62, the firstapparatus side side wall portion 63, the second apparatus side side wallportion 64, and the opening wall portion 67. The third apparatus sideside wall portion 65 is a vertical wall portion in the use state of theprinter 10. The third apparatus side side wall portion 65 constitutesthe side surface of the cartridge mounting unit 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the fourth apparatus side side wall portion 66is positioned on the −X axis direction side with respect to thecartridge accommodation chamber 61. The fourth apparatus side side wallportion 66 opposes the third apparatus side side wall portion 65 withthe cartridge accommodation chamber 61 interposed therebetween. Thefourth apparatus side side wall portion 66 is provided in a directionintersecting the apparatus side front wall portion 62, the firstapparatus side side wall portion 63, the second apparatus side side wallportion 64, and the opening wall portion 67. In this example, the fourthapparatus side side wall portion 66 is orthogonal to the apparatus sidefront wall portion 62, the first apparatus side side wall portion 63,the second apparatus side side wall portion 64, and the opening wallportion 67. The fourth apparatus side side wall portion 66 is a verticalwall portion in the use state of the printer 10. The fourth apparatusside side wall portion 66 constitutes the side surface of the cartridgemounting unit 6.

From the arrangement of the wall portions 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67,the following relationship may be defined. The direction in which theapparatus side front wall portion 62 and the opening wall portion 67 orthe insertion hole 69 oppose each other is the Y axis direction. Thedirection directed from the opening wall portion 67 or the insertionhole 69 to the apparatus side front wall portion 62, that is, thedirection in which the cartridge 4 is inserted (mounted) into thecartridge mounting unit 6 is the −Y axis direction, and the reversedirection, that is, the direction in which the cartridge 4 is pulled outof (detached from) the cartridge mounting unit 6 is the +Y axisdirection. The direction in which the first apparatus side side wallportion 63 and the second apparatus side side wall portion 64 opposeeach other is the Z axis direction. The direction directed from thefirst apparatus side side wall portion 63 to the second apparatus sideside wall portion 64 is the −Z axis direction, and the reverse directionis the +Z axis direction. The direction in which the third apparatusside side wall portion 65 and the fourth apparatus side side wallportion 66 oppose each other is the X axis direction. The directiondirected from the third apparatus side side wall portion 65 to thefourth apparatus side side wall portion 66 is the −X axis direction, andthe reverse direction is the +X axis direction.

A-3. Detailed Configuration of Each Constituent Member of CartridgeMounting Unit

Next, the detailed configurations of the members 70, 640, and 662provided in the apparatus side front wall portion 62 will be describedusing FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG. 10 is a first external perspective view ofthe apparatus side front wall portion 62 and the peripheral membersthereof. FIG. 11 is a second external perspective view of the apparatusside front wall portion 62 and the peripheral members thereof. FIG. 12is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus side front wall portion62 and the peripheral members thereof. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional viewtaken along the line XIII−XIII of FIG. 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, for each of the slots of thecartridge mounting unit 6, the apparatus side terminal unit 70, theprinting material supply mechanism 640, and the rod 662 are provided inthe apparatus side front wall portion 62 in this order from the +Z axisdirection in the −Z axis direction. As illustrated in FIG. 12, theapparatus side front wall portion 62 includes a first front wall portion690 and a second front wall portion 692. The first front wall portion690 is mounted to the second front wall portion 692 by bolts BT.

A-3-1. Detailed Configuration of Printing Material Supply Mechanism 640

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the printing material supply mechanism 640includes a cover member 650, the printing material supply tube 642, aseal member 646, and a mounting member 649.

The printing material supply tube 642 is connected to a circulation tube659 provided in the second front wall portion 692. Specifically, theprinting material supply tube 642 is inserted into the cylindricalmounting member 649 and is connected to the circulation tube 659inserted in the mounting member 649 in the same manner. The circulationtube 659 communicates with the tube 24.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the printing material supply tube 642 has asupply passage 647 having a circular passage cross-section therein. The+Y axis direction side of the circumference of the printing materialsupply tube 642 is provided with a communication hole 648 that causesthe outside and the supply passage 647 to communicate with each other.The ink of the cartridge 4 circulates through the communication hole648, the supply passage 647, and the internal passage of the circulationtube 659 and flows to the tube 24.

The seal member 646 is disposed between the outer periphery of thecirculation tube 659 and the inner periphery of the printing materialsupply tube 642. The seal member 646 is an elastic member (for example,rubber) and prevents the ink from leaking out. In addition, in thisexample, the mounting member 649 is a part of the first front wallportion 690.

The printing material supply tube 642 has a center axis C. Asillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the printing material supply tube 642has a base end portion 644 fixed to the apparatus side front wallportion 62 and a tip end portion 643 connected to the cartridge 4. Here,the axis parallel to the center axis C is the Y axis. In addition,regarding the direction along the Y axis (Y axis direction), thedirection directed from the base end portion 644 to the tip end portion643 is the +Y axis direction, and the reverse direction to the +Y axisdirection is the −Y axis direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the cover member 650 is a member for reducingthe possibility of the ink scattering out of the printing materialsupply tube 642 (specifically, the communication hole 648) duringattaching and detaching of the cartridge 4. The cover member 650includes an impelling member 652, an abutting member 658, a scatteringprevention portion 653, and a communication portion 655. The abuttingmember 658 has an approximately circular external form. The abuttingmember 658 abuts onto the cartridge 4. The abutting member 658 isconfigured to be movable in the Y axis direction. The center of theabutting member 658 is provided with a through-hole 656 through whichthe printing material supply tube 642 is inserted. The scatteringprevention portion 653 receives, in a case where ink leaks from theprinting material supply tube 642, the leaking ink. Accordingly, thepossibility of the ink scattering at the periphery of the printingmaterial supply tube 642 may be reduced. The scattering preventionportion 653 has a concave shape. The impelling member 652 is a coilspring. One end of the impelling member 652 abuts onto the abuttingmember 658, and the other end thereof abuts onto the first front wallportion 690. In the mounted state, the impelling member 652 impels theabutting member 658 to be pressed against the cartridge 4. When thecartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6, as thecartridge 4 causes the abutting member 658 to advance in the −Y axisdirection, the scattering prevention portion 653 also moves in the −Yaxis direction. The scattering prevention portion 653 is disposed on the−Z axis direction side of (immediately below) the printing materialsupply tube 642 regardless of the displacement between a state beforethe cartridge 4 is mounted and the mounted state. Specifically, thescattering prevention portion 653 is disposed on the −Z axis directionside of (immediately below) the communication hole 648 of the abuttingmember 658 regardless of the displacement between the state before thecartridge 4 is mounted and the mounted state. The ink received by thescattering prevention portion 653 circulates inside the communicationportion 655 and reaches an absorbing material (not shown) provided inthe cartridge mounting unit 6.

A-3-2. Detailed Configuration of Rod 662

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the rod 662 includes a center axis Cbparallel to the Y axis direction. The outer periphery of the rod 662 isprovided with an impelling member 665 and a rod cover 670. The rod cover670 is cylindrical, and the rod 662 and the impelling member 665 areinserted therein. The rod cover 670 is a part of the first front wallportion 690. The rod 662 is configured to be movable in the Y axisdirection. The rod 662 includes one end portion 663 positioned on the +Yaxis direction side and the other end portion 664 positioned on the −Yaxis direction side. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the one endportion 663 protrudes from the rod cover 670 toward the +Y axisdirection side. In the mounted state, the one end portion 663 abuts ontothe lever member 490 (FIG. 4) of the cartridge 4. The other end portion664 is positioned closer to the −Y axis direction side than theapparatus side front wall portion 62. The other end portion 664 has alight-shielding portion 666. In addition, a sensor 138 is providedcloser to the −Y axis direction side than the apparatus side front wallportion 62, and by detecting the displacement of the light-shieldingportion 666 using the sensor 138, the ink end state is detected by thecontrol unit 31 of the printer 10. The impelling member 665 is a coilspring. The impelling member 665 impels the rod 662 against the +Y axisdirection side. In addition, a method of detecting the ink end using therod 662 will be described later.

The rod 662 is positioned an intermediate position between the firstapparatus side side wall portion 63 and the second apparatus side sidewall portion 64 in the apparatus side front wall portion 62.Specifically, in the Z axis direction, the rod 662 is provided at anintermediate position of a line segment that connects the inner surfaceof the first apparatus side side wall portion 63 and the secondapparatus side side wall portion 64. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 13,the center axis Cb of the rod 662 is disposed at the intermediateposition in the Z axis direction between the first apparatus side sidewall portion 63 and the second apparatus side side wall portion 64.Here, the “intermediate position” may not necessarily be completelyintermediate and may not be disposed to be inclined toward any one ofthe first and second apparatus side side wall portions 63 and 64. Forexample, the “intermediate position” includes a position in a range of10% from the center position of the distance between the inner wallsurfaces in the Z axis direction of the first apparatus side side wallportion 63 and the second apparatus side side wall portion 64.

A-3-3. Detailed Configuration of Apparatus Side Terminal Unit 70

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the apparatus side terminal unit 70is provided in a terminal mounting portion 694. Specifically, asillustrated in FIG. 12, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is mountedto the terminal mounting portion 694 as a pair of terminal side fittingportions 762 are fitted in the terminal mounting portion 694. Inaddition, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is mounted in a state ofbeing movable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction withrespect to the apparatus side front wall portion 62 (specifically, theterminal mounting portion 694). Specifically, the apparatus sideterminal unit 70 is mounted to be slightly movable in the X axisdirection and the Z axis direction with respect to the apparatus sidefront wall portion 62.

Moreover, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 will be described usingFIGS. 14 to 18. FIG. 14 is a first exploded perspective view of theapparatus side terminal unit 70. FIG. 15 is a second explodedperspective view of the apparatus side terminal unit 70. FIG. 16 is afirst external perspective view of the apparatus side terminal unit 70.FIG. 17 is a second external perspective view of the apparatus sideterminal unit 70. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lineXVIII−XVIII of FIG. 17. In addition, in FIG. 18, a part of the firstfront wall portion 690 is illustrated by solid lines and a positioningportion 756 is illustrated by a dotted line for ease of understanding.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the apparatus side terminal unit 70includes the apparatus side terminal group 721, a terminal block 724,and a holder 750. In addition, the apparatus side terminal unit 70includes a connector substrate 730. The connector substrate 730 includesa terminal group 732 (FIG. 15) provided on the surface and the connector739 provided on the rear surface. The terminal group 732 is constitutedby a plurality of (in this example, nine) terminals and is electricallyconnected to the connector 739.

The apparatus side terminal group 721 includes a plurality of (in thisexample, nine) terminals. Each of the terminals of the apparatus sideterminal group 721 is configured so as to be elastically deformable.Each of the terminals of the apparatus side terminal group 721 isconfigured of a U-shaped leaf spring. One of the tip ends of each of theterminals is exposed from a surface 724 fa of the terminal block 724.The tip end portion exposed from the surface 724 fa of the terminalblock 724 becomes a terminal contact point 722 that comes into contactwith a corresponding cartridge side terminal of the circuit board 50 ofthe cartridge 4 in the mounted state. That is, the terminal contactpoint 722 is provided on the surface 724 fa of the terminal block 724.The other of the tip ends of each of the terminals is exposed from arear surface 724 fb of the terminal block 724. The tip end portionexposed from the rear surface 724 fb of the terminal block 724 becomes aterminal contact point 723 that comes into contact with a correspondingterminal of the terminal group 732. That is, the terminal contact point723 is provided on the rear surface 724 fb of the terminal block 724.

The terminal block 724 holds the apparatus side terminal group 721. Inaddition, the terminal block 724 holds the apparatus side terminal group721 so that the one tip end portion that constitutes the terminalcontact point 722 is exposed from the surface 724 fa thereof. Inaddition, the terminal block 724 holds the apparatus side terminal group721 so that the other tip end portion that constitutes the terminalcontact point 723 is exposed from the rear surface 724 fb thereof. Inaddition, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the terminal block 724 holds theapparatus side terminal group 721 so that each of the terminals of theapparatus side terminal group 721 moves about an axis 721 r parallel tothe X axis direction through elastic deformation. In other words, theterminal block 724 holds the apparatus side terminal group 721 so thatthe terminal contact point 722 moves as each of the terminals of theapparatus side terminal group 721 elastically deforms along apredetermined plane.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 18, the holder 750 holds the terminalblock 724 and the connector substrate 730. Specifically, the holder 750has an accommodation space 751, and the terminal block 724 and theconnector substrate 730 are accommodated in the accommodation space 751so as to be held by the holder 750. In addition, as illustrated in FIG.18, the holder 750 holds the terminal block 724 in a state (called a“first state”) where the surface 724 fa of the terminal block 724 is ina direction parallel to the X axis while being tilted in a directionincluding a +Y axis direction component and a −Z axis directioncomponent. In other words, the holder 750 holds the terminal block 724so that the surface 724 fa of the terminal block 724 is tilted withrespect to the Y axis and the Z axis. As the terminal block 724 is heldby the holder 750 in this state, the contact point 722 of the apparatusside terminal group 721 is provided on the surface 724 fa tilted in thedirection including the +Y axis direction component and the −Z axisdirection component. In addition, the holder 750 holds the terminalblock 724 in a state (called a “second state”) where the axis 721 r ispositioned closer to the +Y axis direction side and the +Z axisdirection side than the terminal contact point 722. As the holder 750holds the terminal block 724 while satisfying the first state and thesecond state, the terminal contact point 722 is in a state of beingelastically deformable in the direction of an arrow YR1 as illustratedin FIG. 18. From a different viewpoint, the elastic deformation of theapparatus side terminal group 721 will be described below. The holder750 holds the terminal block 724 in a state where a predetermined planeon which each of the terminals of the apparatus side terminal group 721elastically deforms is a plane (also called a “YZ plane”) parallel tothe Y axis and the Z axis. As the holder 750 holds the terminal block724 as such, each of the contact points 722 is in a state of beingmovable on the YZ plane.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the holder 750 has a pair of wallportions 752 positioned on both sides in the X axis direction of theaccommodation space 751 and a pair of the positioning portions 756provided in the wall portions 752. Here, one of the pair of wallportions 752 positioned on the +X axis direction side with respect tothe accommodation space 751 is also called a first wall portion 752 t,and the other thereof positioned on the −X axis direction side is alsocalled a second wall portion 752 w. In addition, one of the pair ofpositioning portions 756 provided in the first wall portion 752 t isalso called a first positioning portion 756 t, and the other thereofprovided in the second wall portion 752 w is also called a secondpositioning portion 756 w. In addition, in a case of using the firstwall portion 752 t and the second wall portion 752 w withoutdistinguishment therebetween, the wall portion 752 is used for thedescription. In addition, in a case of using the first positioningportion 756 t and the second positioning portion 756 w withoutdistinguishment therebetween, the positioning portion 756 is used forthe description.

The first wall portion 752 t and the second wall portion 752 w are wallsthat partition and form the accommodation space 751. The firstpositioning portion 756 t and the second positioning portion 756 w arerespectively positioned on the +X axis direction side and the −X axisdirection side of the surface 724 fa of the terminal block 724. Thefirst and second positioning portions 756 t and 756 w guide thecartridge 4 and the apparatus side terminal unit 70 to the contactposition where the terminals of the apparatus side terminal group 721respectively come into contact with the corresponding terminals of thecartridge side terminal group when the cartridge 4 is mounted to thecartridge mounting unit 6. Specifically, the first positioning portion756 t and the second positioning portion 756 w are configured to startbeing inserted into grooves formed in the cartridge 4 before contactbetween the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge sideterminal group is started when the cartridge 4 is mounted to thecartridge mounting unit 6. Accordingly, the cartridge 4 and theapparatus side terminal unit 70 may be moved to the contact positionwith good accuracy. The first positioning portion 756 t extends alongthe Y axis direction (the insertion direction of the cartridge 4). Inaddition, the first positioning portion 756 t protrudes from the firstwall portion 752 t in the +X axis direction. The second positioningportion 756 w extends along the Y axis direction (the insertiondirection of the cartridge 4). In addition, the second positioningportion 756 w protrudes from the second wall portion 752 w in the −Xaxis direction. In this example, in order to realize the firstconfiguration, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the positioning portion 756 isprovided so that an end portion 757 on the +Y axis direction side of thepositioning portion 756 is positioned closer to the +Y axis directionside than the closer contact point 722. In addition, the end portion 757has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the Z axis directionincreases in the −Y axis direction from the +Y axis direction.Accordingly, the positioning portion 756 may be easily inserted into arestriction portion of the cartridge 4 described later. Each of thepositioning portions 756 t and 756 w has four contact surfaces that comeinto contact with the groove formed in the cartridge 4 in the mountedstate in which the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit6. In FIGS. 16 and 17, from the four contact surfaces, the contactsurfaces 756 wa, 756 wb, 756 wc, and 756 wd of the positioning portion756 w and only the contact surfaces 756 tb and 756 td of the positioningportion 756 t are illustrated. From the four contact surfaces, of thetwo surfaces that oppose each other in the Z axis direction, the surfacepositioned on the +Z axis direction side is called an A surface 756 ta(FIGS. 33 to 36) and 756 wa, and the surface positioned on the −Z axisdirection side is called a B surface 756 tb and 756 wb. In addition, thesurface intersecting the X axis direction is called a C surface 756 tc(FIGS. 33 to 36) and 756 wc. In addition, the front end surface in the+Y axis direction is called a D surface 756 td and 756 wd.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the holder 750 has a pair of protrusions 759that protrude in a direction in which the terminal contact points 722 ofthe apparatus side terminal group 721 are exposed (the directionincluding the +Y axis direction component and the −Z axis directioncomponent) from the pair of wall portions 752. From the protrusions 759,one provided in the first wall portion 752 t is called a firstprotrusion 759 t, and the other provided in the second wall portion 752w is called a second protrusion 759 w. The first protrusion 759 t isprovided to protrude in a direction that includes a +Y axis directioncomponent and a −Z axis direction component with respect to the surface724 fa of the terminal block 724 from the +X axis direction side of theapparatus side terminal group 721. The second protrusion 759 w isprovided to protrude in the direction that includes the +Y axisdirection component and the −Z axis direction component with respect tothe surface 724 fa of the terminal block 724 from the −X axis directionside of the apparatus side terminal group 721. The first protrusion 759t and the second protrusion 759 w are received by a part (a bottom wallside concave portion 910 described later, see FIG. 27) of the cartridge4 in the mounted state. In addition, in a case of using the firstprotrusion 759 t and the second protrusion 759 w without distinguishmenttherebetween, the protrusion 759 is used.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the holder 750 is mounted to theapparatus side front wall portion 62 in the state of holding theterminal block 724. Specifically, the holder 750 is mounted to theterminal mounting portion 694 of the first front wall portion 690. Theterminal mounting portion 694 has a pair of support walls 696 thatoppose each other in the X axis direction and a pair of fitting holes698 provided in the walls. On the other hand, the apparatus sideterminal unit 70 is provided with the pair of terminal side fittingportions 762 that oppose each other in the X axis direction. As theterminal side fitting portions 762 are fitted into the pair of fittingholes 698 of the holder 750, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 ismounted to the apparatus side front wall portion 62. Here, clearances inthe X axis direction are provided between the pair of terminal sidefitting portions 762 and the pair of support walls 696. Therefore, theapparatus side terminal unit 70 is in a state of being slightly movablein the X axis direction with respect to the apparatus side front wallportion 62. In addition, clearances in the Y axis direction are providedbetween the pair of terminal side fitting portions 762 and the pair offitting holes 698. Therefore, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is ina state of being slightly movable in the Z axis direction with respectto the apparatus side front wall portion 62.

In addition, the pair of support walls 696 of the terminal mountingportion 694 are respectively provided with a pair of engagement portions696 a and 696 b that oppose each other in the Y axis direction. Inaddition, the pair of terminal side fitting portions 762 of the holder750 are respectively provided with a pair of engagement portions 762 aand 762 b that oppose each other in the Y axis direction. When theterminal side fitting portions 762 are fitted into the pair of fittingholes 698 of the terminal mounting portion 649, the engagement portion696 a and the engagement portion 762 a are engaged with each other inthe −Y axis direction, and the engagement portion 696 b and theengagement portion 762 b are engaged with each other in the +Y axisdirection. A clearance is rarely present between the engagement portion696 a and the engagement portion 762 a. In addition, substantially noclearance is present even between the engagement portion 696 b and theengagement portion 762 b. Therefore, the apparatus side terminal unit 70is not able to substantially move in the Y axis direction with respectto the apparatus side front wall portion 62.

A-4. External Configuration of Cartridge 4

Next, the schematic configuration of the cartridge 4 will be describedusing FIGS. 19 to 26. In addition, the X, Y, and Z axes indicated in thefigures illustrating the cartridge 4 correspond to the X, Y, and Z axesfor the cartridge 4 in the mounted state. FIG. 19 is a first externalperspective view of the cartridge 4. FIG. 20 is a second externalperspective view of the cartridge 4. FIG. 21 is a front view of thecartridge 4. FIG. 22 is a rear view of the cartridge 4. FIG. 23 is a topview of the cartridge 4. FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the cartridge 4.FIG. 25 is a first side view of the cartridge 4. FIG. 26 is a secondside view of the cartridge 4.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the external shape of the cartridge 4is an approximate rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this example, thecartridge 4 has dimensions that are reduced in the order of the Y axisdirection, the Z axis direction, and the X axis direction. The cartridge4 includes a case 9 that accommodates ink therein. The case 9 is ahousing formed by molding a synthetic resin. The cartridge 4 includes afront surface 42, a rear surface 47, a first side surface 43, a secondside surface 44, a third side surface 45, and a fourth side surface 46.In addition, the first side surface 43 is also called an upper surface43, the second side surface 44 is also called a bottom surface 44, thethird side surface 45 is also called a right side surface 45, and thefourth side surface 46 is also called a left side surface 46. The frontsurface 42 and the rear surface 47 oppose each other in the Y axisdirection, and the front surface 42 is positioned on the −Y axisdirection and the rear surface 47 is positioned on the +Y axisdirection. The first side surface 43 and the second side surface 44intersect the front surface 42 and the rear surface 47 and oppose eachother in the Z axis direction. The first side surface 43 is positionedon the +Z axis direction side and the second side surface 44 ispositioned on the −Z axis direction. The third side surface 45 and thefourth side surface 46 intersect the front surface 42, the rear surface47, the first side surface 43, and the second side surface 44 and opposeeach other in the X axis direction. The third side surface 45 ispositioned on the +X axis direction side and the fourth side surface 46is positioned on the −X axis direction side.

The shape of the front surface 42 is an approximate rectangle in whichthe dimension in the Z axis direction is greater than the dimension inthe X axis direction. The front surface 42 faces the apparatus sidefront wall portion 62 (FIG. 6) in the mounted state. The front surface42 is provided with a rod insertion hole 420 and a supply tube insertionhole 424. The rod insertion hole 420 is provided at an intermediateposition between the first side surface 43 and the second side surface44 in the front surface 42. In other words, in the Z axis direction, therod insertion hole 420 is provided at the intermediate position thatconnects the first side surface 43 and the second side surface 44. Thatis, a center axis Ce of the rod insertion hole 420 is disposed at theintermediate position in the Z axis direction between the first sidesurface 43 and the second side surface 44. Here, the “intermediateposition” may not necessarily be completely intermediate and may not bedisposed to be inclined toward any one of the first and second sidesurfaces 43 and 44. For example, the “intermediate position” includes aposition in a range of 10% from the center position of the distancebetween the first side surface 43 and the second side surface 44 in theZ axis direction.

In the mounted state, the printing material supply tube 642 (FIG. 12) isinserted into the supply tube insertion hole 424. In addition, in thesupply tube insertion hole 424, the printing material lead-out tube 484(FIG. 4) for circulating the ink in the cartridge 4 to the outside isdisposed. As the printing material supply tube 642 is connected to theprinting material lead-out tube 484, the ink in the cartridge 4 is ableto be circulated to the printing material supply tube 642.

In the mounted state, the rod 662 (FIG. 12) of which a part of the outerperiphery is covered with the rod cover 670 is inserted into the rodinsertion hole 420. As the rod 662 is inserted into the rod insertionhole 420, positioning of the entirety of the cartridge 4 with respect tothe cartridge mounting unit 6 is performed, and thus a position from thecorrect mounting position is suppressed. In addition, in the mountedstate, the rod 662 abuts onto the lever member 490 (FIG. 4).

As illustrated in FIGS. 19, 23, 25, and 26, the first side surface 43has a first convex portion 432. The first convex portion 432 protrudestoward the +Z axis direction side from the first side surface 43. Thefirst convex portion 432 extends along the Y axis direction.Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the first convexportion 432 extends from a position close to the front surface 42 to aposition close to the rear surface 47 in the first side surface 43. Morespecifically, the first convex portion 432 is divided into a first part432 a on the −Y axis direction side and a second part 432 b on the +Yaxis direction side, and a first locking portion 436 having a concaveshape is formed therebetween. As illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 26, thesecond side surface 44 has a second convex portion 442. The secondconvex portion 442 protrudes toward the −Z axis direction side from thesecond side surface 44. The second convex portion 442 extends along theY axis direction. Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, thesecond convex portion 442 extends from a position close to the frontsurface 42 to a position close to the rear surface 47 in the second sidesurface 44. More specifically, the second convex portion 442 is dividedinto a first part 442 a on the −Y axis direction side and a second part442 b on the +Y axis direction side, and a second locking portion 446having a concave shape is formed therebetween. When the cartridge 4 ismounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6, the first convex portion 432is inserted into the first rail 682 (FIG. 7) and the second convexportion 442 is inserted into the second rail 602 (FIG. 6). Accordingly,the cartridge 4 may be caused to smoothly advance in the correspondingslot of the cartridge mounting unit 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, a dimension (width) Xa in the X axisdirection of the first convex portion 432 and a dimension (width) Xb inthe X axis direction of the second convex portion 442 are different fromeach other. In this example, a relationship of dimension Xa<dimension Xbis satisfied. In addition, the second convex portion 442 has a greaterdimension in the X axis direction than the first rail 682 (FIG. 7), andthus the second convex portion 442 is not able to be inserted into thefirst rail 682. Accordingly, the possibility of the cartridge 4 beingmounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6 in a state where the directionsof the first side surface 43 and the second side surface 44 are reversedmay be reduced. In addition, in the mounted state, the leaf spring 684(FIG. 7) is inserted into the first locking portion 436, and the leafspring 604 (FIG. 6) is inserted into the second locking portion 446.Accordingly, the cartridge 4 is prevented from carelessly deviating fromthe cartridge mounting unit 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, a label S1 is adhered to the third sidesurface 45. In the label S1, information (notice in use and the like)regarding handling of the cartridge 4 is described.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, in a corner portion 88 at which the frontsurface 42 and the second side surface 44 intersect each other, aconcave portion 49 and a pair of restriction surfaces 421 are provided.In the concave portion 49, a cartridge side identification member 491 isprovided. The cartridge side identification member 491 is formed by oneor more ribs and forms a different shape depending on the color of inkaccommodated. In addition, the cartridge side identification member 491is fitted to the apparatus side identification member 610 (FIG. 6) bybeing mounted to the right slot of the cartridge mounting unit 6. Thepair of restriction surfaces 421 are disposed on both sides in the Xaxis direction of the concave portion 49. The pair of restrictionsurfaces 421 abut onto the restriction members 612 (FIG. 6) when thecartridge 4 reaches the correct mounting position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 21, the cartridge 4 further includes aconcave portion 90 provided in a corner portion 89 at which the frontsurface 42 and the first side surface 43 intersect each other. In otherwords, the concave portion 90 is provided over the front surface 42 andthe first side surface 43. In the concave portion 90, the circuit board50 is disposed. A cartridge side terminal group 521 is formed on asurface 50 fa (FIG. 21) of the circuit board 50. The cartridge sideterminal group 521 includes a plurality of (in this example, nine)terminals. In the mounted state, each of the terminals of the cartridgeside terminal group 521 is electrically connected to the correspondingterminal of the apparatus side terminal group 721 (FIG. 15).

Moreover, the detailed configuration of the concave portion 90 will bedescribed using FIGS. 27 to 32. FIG. 27 is an external perspective viewof the vicinity of the concave portion 90. FIG. 28 is a front view ofthe vicinity of the concave portion 90. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectionalview taken along the line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 28. FIG. 30 is across-sectional view taken along the line XXX-XXX of FIG. 28. FIG. 31 isa diagram for explaining a state of the connection between the apparatusside terminal unit 70 and the circuit board 50. FIG. 32 is across-sectional view taken along the line XXXII-XXXII in the mountedstate.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the concave portion 90 has an opening 982provided along a surface orthogonal to the Y axis and an opening 984provided along a surface orthogonal to the Z axis. In addition, theinner walls of the concave portion 90 are mainly constituted by a pairof side walls 902 (902 t and 902 w), a bottom wall 988, and a rear wall986. A terminal accommodation chamber 900 into which the apparatus sideterminal unit 70 is inserted is partitioned and formed inside theconcave portion 90 by the inner walls 902, 986, and 988. The concaveportion 90 is an approximate hexahedron constituted by the opening 982,the opening 984, the pair of side walls 902 t and 902 w, the bottom wall988, and the rear wall 986 as main surfaces. The opening 982 and therear wall 986 oppose each other in the Y axis direction, and the opening982 is positioned in the −Y axis direction and the rear wall 986 ispositioned in the +Y axis direction. In addition, the pair of side walls902 t and 902 w oppose each other in the X axis direction, and the firstside wall 902 t is positioned on the +X axis direction side and thesecond side wall 902 w is positioned on the −X axis direction side. Theopening 984 and the bottom wall 988 oppose each other in a nonparallelstate in the Z axis direction, and the opening 984 is positioned on the+Z axis direction side and the bottom wall 988 is positioned on the −Zaxis direction side. The opening 982 is an entrance when the apparatusside terminal unit 70 is inserted into the concave portion 90 in thecase where the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6.The bottom wall 988 intersects the first side wall 902 t and the secondside wall 902 w. The bottom wall 988 intersects the opening 982 at aside on the −Z direction side. In addition, the bottom wall 988 extendsin the +Y axis direction while being tilted in the +Z direction from theposition of the side on the −Z direction side of the opening 982, andintersects the rear wall 986. The rear wall 986 intersects the bottomwall 988, the first side wall 902 t, and the second side wall 902 w. Theopening 984 intersects the rear wall 986, the first side wall 902 t, thesecond side wall 902 w, and the opening 982. In addition, in a case ofusing the first side wall 902 t and the second side wall 902 w withoutdistinguishment therebetween, the side wall 902 is used.

The circuit board 50 is mounted in the bottom wall 988. Specifically, asillustrated in FIG. 29, the surface 50 fa of the circuit board 50 isdisposed to be tilted in a direction including a −Y axis directioncomponent and a +Z axis direction component. That is, the surface 50 faof the circuit board 50 is tilted with respect to the Y axis and the Zaxis. Here, the surface 50 fa corresponds to the “tilted surface”described in Summary. As described above, the surface 50 fa includes thecartridge side terminal group 521. That is, the cartridge side terminalgroup 521 is provided on the surface tilted with respect to the −Y axisdirection which is the insertion direction of the cartridge 4 into thecartridge mounting unit 6. In addition, a rear surface 50 fb of thecircuit board 50 includes a storage device 525. The storage device 525stores information (for example, ink colors, date of manufacture, andthe like) regarding the cartridge 4. The cartridge side terminal group521 and the storage device 525 are electrically connected to each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 30, the pair of side walls 902 t and 902 wthat oppose each other in the X axis direction of the concave portion 90are respectively provided with a pair of grooves 906 t and 906 w. Thegrooves 906 t and 906 w are provided to face each other in the X axisdirection. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the grooves 906 t and906 w are provided to be symmetrical with respect to a YZ plane 28 c.The YZ plane 28 c is a surface that constitutes the center of thedimension (width) in the X axis direction of the cartridge. Elementsthat constitute each of the circuit board 50 and the concave portion 90arranged in the concave portion 90 are provided to be symmetrical withrespect to the YZ plane 28 c. That is, the YZ plane 28 c passes throughthe center of the dimension (width) in the X axis direction of thecartridge side terminal group 521. In addition, in the cartridge sideterminal group 521, a terminal 521 c provided at the center in the widthdirection of the cartridge side terminal group 521 intersects the YZplane 28 c. In addition, the YZ plane 28 c passes through the center ofthe dimension (width) in the X axis direction of the circuit board 50.In addition, the YZ plane 28 c passes through the mounting portions 50 aand 50 b provided on the bottom wall 988 in order to mount the circuitboard 50 to the bottom wall 988. In addition, the YZ plane 28 c passesthrough the terminal 521 c provided at the center portion in the X axisdirection in the cartridge side terminal group 521. The terminal 521 cis a terminal that comes into contact with a terminal 721 c (see FIG.16) provided at the center portion in the X axis direction in theapparatus side terminal group 721. In addition, the grooves 906 t and906 w of the concave portion 90 and the pair of side walls 902 t and 902w are provided to be symmetrical with respect to the YZ plane 28 c.Moreover, the YZ plane 28 c passes through the centers of the dimensions(widths) in the X axis direction of the first convex portion 432 (432 aand 432 b) and the second convex portion 442 (442 a and 442 b, see FIGS.21 and 25) described previously. In addition, although not illustratedin FIG. 28, the YZ plane 28 c passes through the centers of thedimensions (widths) in the X axis direction of the first locking portion436 (FIG. 25) provided in the first side surface 43 and the secondlocking portion 446 (FIG. 25) provided in the second side surface 44. Inaddition, the leaf springs 684 and 604 (FIGS. 6 and 7) that lock thefirst locking portion 436 and the second locking portion 446 intersectthe YZ plane 28 c.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 30, the first side wall 902 t is providedwith the first groove 906 t as a first restriction portion. The firstgroove 906 t is formed in a shape in which a part of the first side wall902 t is dug in the +X axis direction. That is, the first groove 906 tis recessed in the +X axis direction from the first side wall 902 t. Thefirst groove 906 t extends along the Y axis direction. Specifically, thefirst groove 906 t extends along the +Y axis direction from a positionof the opening 982 toward the rear wall 986. The first positioningportion 756 t (FIG. 16) is inserted into the first groove 906 t in themounted state. The end surface on the −Y axis direction side and thesurface on the −X axis direction side of the first groove 906 t areopen. As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 29, the second side wall 902 w isprovided with the second groove 906 w as a second restriction portion.The second groove 906 w is formed in a shape in which a part of thesecond side wall 902 w is dug in the −X axis direction. That is, thesecond groove 906 w is recessed in the −X axis direction from the secondside wall 902 w. The second groove 906 w extends along the Y axisdirection. Specifically, the second groove 906 w extends along the +Yaxis direction from a position of the opening 982 toward the rear wall906 side. The end surface on the −Y axis direction side and the surfaceon the +X axis direction side of the second groove 906 w are open.

As illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, the grooves 906 t and 906 wrespectively have openings 941 and 961 at the end surfaces on the −Yaxis direction side. The grooves 906 t and 906 w include entrance parts916 t and 916 w that extend toward the +Y axis direction side from theopenings 941 and 961 and contact parts 926 t and 926 w that extendtoward the +Y axis direction side from the end portions in the +Y axisdirection of the entrance parts 916 t and 916 w. The openings 941 and961 of the end surfaces on the −Y axis direction side respectively areentrances into which the positioning portions 756 t and 756 w areinserted when the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit6. Since the openings 941 and 961 are formed closer to the −Y axisdirection side than the cartridge side terminal group 521, beforestarting contact between the apparatus side terminal group 721 and thecartridge side terminal group 521, the insertion of the positioningportions 756 t and 756 w into the grooves 906 t and 906 w is started.

The entrance parts 916 t and 916 w are parts in the grooves 906 t and906 w into which the positioning portions 756 t and 756 w are initiallyinserted. As illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30, the dimensions in the Z axisdirection of the entrance parts 916 t and 916 w are monotonicallydecreased in the +Y axis direction. In addition, as illustrated in FIG.28, the dimensions in the X axis direction of the entrance parts 916 tand 916 w are decreased in the +Y axis direction from the −Y axisdirection. That is, the entrance parts 916 t and 916 w are provided tobe tapered by being gradually decreased in the dimensions in the Z axisdirection and the X axis direction. Furthermore, in other words, theentrance parts 916 t and 916 w have tapered shapes in which the areas ofthe openings 941 and 961 are greatest.

In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30, entrance parts 902 wa and902 ta of the side walls 902 w and 902 t of the concave portion 90 havetapered shapes to correspond to the entrance parts 916 t and 916 w. Thatis, the distance (the interval in the X axis direction) between the sidewalls 902 w and 902 t at the parts of the entrance parts 902 wa and 902ta are decreased in the +Y axis direction from the −Y axis direction.

The contact parts 926 t and 926 w respectively come into contact withthe positioning portions 756 t and 756 w in the mounted state. Asillustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, the contact parts 926 t and 926 wrespectively have contact surfaces 940 and 960 that come into contactwith the positioning portions 756 t and 756 w in the mounted state. Asillustrated in FIG. 30, the contact surface 940 that comes into contactwith the first positioning portion 756 t, that is, the contact surface940 of the groove 906 t has four surfaces 942, 946, 948, and 944.Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the contact surface 960 that comesinto contact with the second positioning portion 756 w, that is, thecontact surface 960 of the groove 906 w also has four surfaces 962, 966,968, and 964. The four contact surfaces are respectively called an Asurface 942 and 962, a B surface 946 and 966, a C surface 944 and 964,and a D surface 948 and 968.

As illustrated in FIG. 30, the A surface 942 and the B surface 946 ofthe groove 906 t oppose each other in the Z axis direction, and the Asurface 942 is positioned on the +Z axis direction side and the Bsurface 946 is positioned on the −Z axis direction side. The D surface948 of the groove 906 t opposes the opening 941 in the Y axis direction,and the opening 941 is positioned on the −Y axis direction side and theD surface 948 is positioned on the +Y axis direction side. In addition,the D surface 948 intersects the A surface 942 and the B surface 946. Asillustrated in FIG. 28, the C surface 944 of the groove 906 t opposes anextension surface 902 te of the first side wall 902 t and is positionedon the +X axis direction side with respect to the extension surface 902te of the first side wall 902 t. In addition, the C surface 944intersects the A surface 942, the B surface 946, and the D surface 948.The A surface 942 of the groove 906 t comes into contact with the endportion on the +Z axis direction side of the first positioning portion756 t (FIG. 16). The B surface 946 comes into contact with the endportion on the −Z axis direction side of the first positioning portion756 t. The first D surface 948 comes into contact with the end portionon the +Y axis direction side of the first positioning portion 756 t.The first C surface 944 comes into contact with the end portion on the+X axis direction side of the first positioning portion 756 t.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the A surface 962 and the B surface 966 ofthe groove 906 w oppose each other in the Z axis direction, and the Asurface 962 is positioned on the +Z axis direction side and the Bsurface 966 is positioned on the −Z axis direction side. The D surface968 of the groove 906 w opposes the opening 961 in the Y axis direction,and the opening 961 is positioned on the −Y axis direction side and theD surface 968 is positioned on the +Y axis direction side. In addition,the D surface 968 intersects the A surface 962 and the B surface 966. Asillustrated in FIG. 28, the C surface 964 of the groove 906 w opposes anextension surface 902 we of the second side wall 902 w and is positionedon the −X axis direction side with respect to the extension surface 902te of the second side wall 902 w. In addition, the C surface 964intersects the A surface 962, the B surface 966, and the D surface 968.The A surface 962 of the groove 906 w comes into contact with the endportion on the +Z axis direction side of the second positioning portion756 w (FIG. 16). The B surface 966 comes into contact with the endportion on the −Z axis direction side of the second positioning portion756 w. The D surface 968 comes into contact with the end portion on the+Y axis direction side of the second positioning portion 756 w. The Csurface 964 comes into contact with the end portion on the −X axisdirection side of the second positioning portion 756 w.

Here, in a case of using the first groove 906 t and the second groove906 w without distinguishment therebetween, they are simply called the“groove 906”. In addition, in a case of using the first contact part 926t and the second contact part 926 w without distinguishmenttherebetween, they are simply called the “contact part 926”. Inaddition, in a case of using the first entrance part 916 t and thesecond entrance part 916 w without distinguishment therebetween, theyare simply called the “entrance part 916”.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, in the bottom wall 988, a pair of bottom wallside concave portions 910 t and 910 w are respectively formed betweenthe tilted surface 50 fa and the first side wall 902 t and between thetilted surface 50 fa and the second side wall 902 w. As illustrated inFIG. 31, the pair of bottom wall side concave portions 910 t and 910 ware configured to respectively receive the pair of protrusions 759 t and759 w (FIG. 16) of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 in the mountedstate. In addition, the pair of bottom wall side concave portions 910 tand 910 w are collectively called a first bottom wall side concaveportion 910.

A-5. Embodiment of Contact Between Cartridge Side Terminal Group 521 andApparatus Side Terminal Group 721

Next, an embodiment of contact between the cartridge side terminal group521 and the apparatus side terminal group 721 when the cartridge 4 ismounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6 will be described using FIGS.33 to 36. FIG. 33 is a first diagram illustrating the embodiment of thecontact. FIG. 34 is a second diagram illustrating the embodiment of thecontact. FIG. 35 is a third diagram illustrating the embodiment of thecontact. FIG. 36 is a fourth diagram illustrating the embodiment of thecontact. A form of the cartridge 4 during mounting is illustrated intime series in the order of figures from FIGS. 33 to 36. In addition,FIGS. 33 to 36 are illustrated focusing on a single cartridge sideterminal 521 a of the cartridge side terminal group 521 and a singleapparatus side terminal 721 a of the apparatus side terminal group 721.In addition, the other terminals have the same mounting form. Since theshapes of the first and second positioning portions 756 t and 756 w arethe same and the first and second grooves 906 t and 906 w are the same,for ease of understanding, reference numerals 756 t and 756 w aredescribed together and reference numerals 906 t and 906 w are describedtogether in FIGS. 33 to 36.

As illustrated in FIG. 33, when the cartridge 4 (FIG. 19) is mounted tothe cartridge mounting unit 6 (FIG. 5), the cartridge 4 is caused toadvance into the slot of the cartridge mounting unit 6 in the −Y axisdirection. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 34, before the cartridge sideterminal 521 a comes into contact with the terminal contact point 722 aof the apparatus side terminal 721 a, the insertion of the positioningportion 756 into the groove 906 is started. Here, even in a case wherethe cartridge mounting unit 6 has a slight manufacturing error, theapparatus side terminal unit 70 is guided into the concave portion 90 ofthe cartridge 4 while absorbing the error by moving in the X axisdirection and the Z axis direction. As the cartridge 4 is caused toadvance in the −Y axis direction while the positioning portion 756 comesinto contact with the surface of the entrance part 916 of the groove906, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is guided to the position atwhich the cartridge side terminal 521 a and the apparatus side terminal721 a come into contact with each other. In FIG. 34, a form in which theapparatus side terminal unit 70 is guided into the concave portion 90(FIG. 27) while moving slightly in a direction (−Z axis direction)indicated by the arrow V1 is illustrated.

As illustrated in FIG. 35, the cartridge 4 is caused to further advancein the −Y axis direction, and when the positioning portions 756 t and756 w are inserted into the contact parts 926 t and 926 w of the groove906, the C surfaces 756 tc and 756 wc of the positioning portions 756 tand 756 w respectively come into contact with the C surfaces 944 and 964of the grooves 906 t and 906 w and thus the movement in the X axisdirection of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 (FIG. 10) isrestricted. In addition, here, the A surfaces 756 ta and 756 wa of thepositioning portions 756 t and 756 w respectively come into contact withthe A surfaces 942 and 962 of the grooves 906 t and 906 w, and the Bsurfaces 756 tb and 756 wb respectively come into contact with the Bsurfaces 946 and 966, thereby restricting the movement in the Z axisdirection of the apparatus side terminal unit 70. Accordingly, thepositions in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction of thecartridge side terminal 521 a and the terminal contact point 722 a aredetermined. In addition, after the insertion of the positioning portion756 into the contact part 926 is started, immediately before completingthe full insertion, the terminal contact point 722 a initially comesinto contact with the cartridge side terminal 521 a. At this time point,it is possible to cause the cartridge 4 to advance while the tip endsurfaces 756 td and 756 wd of the positioning portions 756 t and 756 wdo not come into contact with the D surfaces 948 and 968 of the grooves906 t and 906 w. When the cartridge 4 is caused to further advance inthe −Y axis direction from the state illustrated in FIG. 35, theapparatus side terminal 721 a elastically deforms, and the contact point722 a of the apparatus side terminal 721 a moves in the direction of thearrow YR1 a while coming into contact with the cartridge side terminal521 a. Here, the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge sideterminal group slightly rub against each other. In addition, finally, asillustrated in FIG. 36, the tip end surfaces 756 td and 756 tw of thepositioning portions 756 t and 756 w come into contact with the Dsurfaces 948 and 968 of the grooves 906 t and 906 w and thus thepositions in the Y axis direction between the cartridge side terminal521 a and the terminal contact point 722 a are determined. In thisstate, the mounting of the cartridge 4 to the cartridge mounting unit 6is completed. In addition, during the completion of the mounting and inthe mounted state, as in the final stage of the mounting illustrated inFIG. 36, the A surfaces 756 ta and 756 wa of the positioning portions756 t and 756 w come into contact with the A surfaces 942 and 944 of thegrooves 906 t and 906 w in the +Z axis direction. In addition, the Bsurfaces 756 tb and 756 wb come into contact with the B surfaces 946 and966 of the grooves 906 t and 906 w in the −Z axis direction. Inaddition, the C surface 756 tc of the first positioning portion comesinto contact with the C surface 944 of the first groove 906 t in the +Xaxis direction, and the C surface 756 wc of the second positioningportion comes into contact with the C surface 964 of the second groove906 w in the −X axis direction. Therefore, the movements in the Z axisdirection and the X axis direction of the positioning portions 756 t and756 w are restricted by the grooves 906 t and 906 w. Accordingly, at theposition where contact between the apparatus side terminal 721 a and thecartridge side terminal 521 a is properly achieved, both 721 a and 521 amay be held.

A-6. Other Configurations of Cartridge 4

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 4. Asillustrated in FIG. 37, the case 9 accommodates the printing materialaccommodation portion 450 and the cartridge side passage member 480. Theprinting material accommodation portion 450 accommodates ink therein. Inaddition, the printing material accommodation portion 450 is a bag bodyhaving flexibility. In this example, the printing material accommodationportion 450 is formed of an aluminum-laminated multilayer film in whichan aluminum layer is laminated and formed on a resin film layer. Thecartridge side passage member 480 forms a passage (also called a“printing material lead-out passage”) that causes the printing materialaccommodation portion 450 to communicate with the outside. That is, theone end portion of the cartridge side passage member 480 is connected tothe printing material accommodation portion 450, and the printingmaterial lead-out tube 484 provided in the other end portion thereof isconnected to the printing material supply tube 642 (FIG. 4). A detectionchamber 482 is proved part way through the printing material lead-outpassage. In the detection chamber 482, a coil spring 496 as an impellingmember, a check valve 495, and a pressure-receiving plate 493 areaccommodated. In addition, an opening which is in one side surface ofthe detection chamber 482 is covered with a film 492 having flexibility.The pressure-receiving plate 493 is disposed between the coil spring 496and the film 492. The coil spring 496 impels the pressure-receivingplate 493 so as to increase the volume of the detection chamber 482. Thecase 9 further accommodates a lever member 490. The lever member 490comes into contact with the film 492 from the outside of the detectionchamber 482. The volume of the detection chamber 482 changes accordingto a change in the internal pressure. The lever member 490 is displacedby the change in the volume of the detection chamber 482. As describedabove, the rod 662 (FIG. 4) abuts onto the lever member 490. In a casewhere the inside of the printing material accommodation portion 450 issuctioned by the pumping mechanism 7 in a state where ink isaccommodated in the printing material accommodation portion 450, the inkis also supplied into the detection chamber 482 along with thesuctioning. Accordingly, the pressure in the detection chamber 482 ismaintained at a predetermined pressure. Here, since the volume of thedetection chamber 482 is maintained to be large, the rod 662 (FIG. 4) isin a state of being pressured in the −Y axis direction by the levermember 490 against the impelling force applied by the impelling member665 (FIG. 4). On the other hand, in a case where the inside of theprinting material accommodation portion 450 is suctioned by the pumpingmechanism 7 in a state where the ink of the printing materialaccommodation portion 450 is exhausted, the inside of the detectionchamber 482 has a negative pressure. Through the inside of the detectionchamber 482 having a negative pressure, the volume of the inside of thedetection chamber 482 is reduced more than when at a predeterminedpressure, and thus the lever member 490 is displaced. Accordingly, therod 662 (FIG. 4) is displaced in the +Y axis direction by the impellingforce exerted by the impelling member 665 (FIG. 4). As the displacementof the rod 662 (FIG. 4) accompanied by the displacement of the levermember 490 is detected by the sensor 138 (FIG. 4), the ink end state maybe detected by the control unit 31. In addition, the detection chamber482, the coil spring 496, the pressure-receiving plate 493, the film492, and the lever member 490 constitute a detection mechanism used fordetecting the ink end state on the printer 10 side. In addition, thecartridge side passage member 480 further has an injection passage 483for injecting the ink into the printing material accommodation portion450 from the outside. After the ink is injected into the printingmaterial accommodation portion 450, the injection passage 483 isblocked.

A-7. Effects

First, as described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, in this example,the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is movable in the X axis directionand the Z axis direction. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 30,the cartridge 4 has the concave portion 90 into which the apparatus sideterminal unit 70 is inserted. Accordingly, even in the case where thecartridge mounting unit 6 or the cartridge 4 has a manufacturing error,the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is guided into the concave portion90 of the cartridge 4 while absorbing the error by moving when thecartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6 (FIG. 34). Inaddition, finally, the positioning of the apparatus side terminal group721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521 is performed by the firstand second restriction portions 906 t and 906 w provided in the concaveportion 90. That is, during the completion of the mounting and in themounted state, the first and second restriction portions 906 t and 906 wprovided in the concave portion 90 of the cartridge 4 restrict themovements in the Z axis direction and the X axis direction of the firstand second positioning portions 756 t and 756 w of the apparatus sideterminal unit 70, thereby positioning the apparatus side terminal group721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521. Therefore, contactbetween the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge sideterminal group 521 may be properly achieved.

In addition, in the example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the rod 662having the center axis Cb parallel to the Y axis direction is providedat the intermediate position between the first apparatus side side wallportion 63 and the second apparatus side side wall portion 64 in theapparatus side front wall portion 62. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 21, the rod insertion hole 420 into which the rod 662 is insertedis provided at the intermediate position in the Z axis direction betweenthe first and second side surfaces 43 and 44 in the front surface 42 ofthe cartridge 4. In this embodiment, as the rod 662 is inserted into therod insertion hole 420, positioning of the entirety of the cartridge 4with respect to the cartridge mounting unit 6 is performed, and thus apositional deviation from the correct mounting position is suppressed.Therefore, a positional deviation in the vicinity of the rod insertionhole 420 may be properly suppressed. However, the cartridge sideterminal group 521 (FIG. 21) provided in the corner portion 89 of thefront surface 42 and the rod insertion hole 420 are at positionsseparated from each other, and thus there may be cases where it isdifficult to suppress a positional deviation of such a member that is ata position separated from the rod insertion hole 420. In particular,since the cartridge 4 of this example is the large-capacity typecartridge 4 used in the printer 10 for large-sized printing, the sizethereof is large, and the cartridge side terminal group 521 and the rodinsertion hole 420 are at the positions somewhat separated from eachother. However, as described above, by employing the configurations ofthe apparatus side terminal unit 70 that is movable in the X axisdirection and the Z axis direction and the concave portion 90 into whichthe apparatus side terminal unit 70 is inserted, positioning of thecartridge side terminal group 521 and the apparatus side terminal group721 may be performed with good accuracy. That is, according to thisexample, even with the large capacity type cartridge 4 having a largesize, it is possible to position the apparatus side terminal group 721and the cartridge side terminal group 521 while performing thepositioning of the entirety of the cartridge 4 and absorbing amanufacturing error in the cartridge 4.

In addition, in this embodiment, the printing material supply tube 642is provided between the rod 662 and the apparatus side terminal unit 70(FIG. 13). In addition, the supply tube insertion hole 424 into whichthe printing material supply tube 642 is inserted is provided betweenthe rod insertion hole 420 and the concave portion 90 (FIG. 21). Thatis, the printing material supply tube 642 is provided at a positionclose to the rod 662. In addition, the supply tube insertion hole 424 isprovided at a position close to the rod insertion hole 420. Therefore, apositional deviation between the printing material supply tube 642 andthe supply tube insertion hole 424 may be properly suppressed.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the apparatus side terminalgroup 721 is provided on the surface 724 fa tilted in a directionincluding the +Y axis direction component and the −Z axis directioncomponent. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the cartridge sideterminal group 521 is provided on the tilted surface 50 fa tilted in thedirection including the −Y axis direction component and the +Z axisdirection component. That is, both the apparatus side terminal group 721and the cartridge side terminal group 521 are provided on the surfacestilted with the same tilt in the −Y axis direction which is theinsertion direction of the cartridge 4 into the cartridge mounting unit6. As previously described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36, when thecartridge 4 is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 6, thecartridge 4 proceeds in the −Y axis direction. Here, the cartridge sideterminal group 521 also proceeds in the −Y axis direction and slowlyapproaches the apparatus side terminal group 721. However, the two donot come into contact with each other immediately before completing themounting. In the final stage of the mounting, after the apparatus sideterminal unit 70 is inserted into the concave portion 90 of thecartridge 4, the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridgeside terminal group 521 slightly rub against each other immediatelybefore completing the mounting (FIGS. 35 and 36). In addition, duringthe completion of the mounting and in the mounted state, the first andsecond restriction portions 906 t and 906 w provided in the concaveportion 90 of the cartridge 4 restrict the movements in the Z axisdirection and the X axis direction of the first and second positioningportions 756 t and 756 w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70, therebypositioning the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge sideterminal group 521. As such, while the apparatus side terminal group 721and the cartridge side terminal group 521 rarely rub against each otherduring the mounting of the cartridge 4, the apparatus side terminalgroup 721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521 rub slightly againsteach other immediately before completing the mounting of the cartridge4, thereby reducing the possibility of shavings being generated as theapparatus side terminal group 721 rubs against the case 9 and the likeof the cartridge 4 during the mounting of the cartridge 4. In addition,even in a case where dust is present in the vicinity of the apparatusside terminal group 721 and is interposed between the apparatus sideterminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521, theapparatus side terminal group 721 comes into contact while linearlyrubbing on the surface of the cartridge side terminal group 521 and thusan effect of discharging the dust from the contact portion (a wipingeffect) is exhibited, thereby reducing the possibility of dust beinginterposed between the apparatus side terminal group 721 and thecartridge side terminal group 521.

In addition, according to the above-described example, as illustrated inFIGS. 16, 17, and 36, the end portions on the +Z axis direction side ofthe first and second positioning portions 756 t and 756 w of theapparatus side terminal unit 70 are provided with the A surfaces 756 taand 756 wa, and the end portions on the −Z axis direction side thereofare provided with the B surfaces 756 tb and 756 wa. In addition, asillustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30 and 36, the grooves 906 t and 906 w as thefirst and second restriction portions provided in the concave portion 90are respectively provided with the A surfaces 942 and 962 and the Bsurfaces 946 and 966. As illustrated in FIG. 36, the A surfaces 942 and962 of the grooves 906 t and 906 w come into contact with the A surfaces756 ta and 756 wa provided at the end portions on the +Z axis directionside of the first and second positioning portions 756 t and 756 w in themounted state. The B surfaces 946 and 966 of the grooves 906 t and 906 wcome into contact with the B surfaces 756 tb and 756 wb provided at theend portions on the −Z axis direction side of the first and secondpositioning portions 756 t and 756 w in the mounted state. That is, thefirst and second restriction portions 906 t and 906 w restrict themovements in the ±Z direction of the first and second positioningportions 756 t and 756 w. Accordingly, positioning in the Z axisdirection of the cartridge side terminal group 521 with respect to theapparatus side terminal group 721 may be performed with good accuracy.Therefore, contact between the apparatus side terminal group 721 and thecartridge side terminal group 521 may be more properly achieved.Moreover, since the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is able to be heldon both sides in the +Z axis direction and the −Z axis direction, evenwhen vibration or impacts from the outside are exerted during the use ofthe printer 10, a deviation of the contact position between theapparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group521 due to the vibration and impacts may be suppressed.

Moreover, according to the above-described example, as illustrated inFIGS. 16, 17, 27, and 28, the movement in the +X axis direction of thefirst positioning portion 756 t is restricted by the contact with thefirst groove 906 t as the first restriction portion, and the movement inthe −X axis direction of the second positioning portion 756 w isrestricted by the contact with the second groove 906 w as the secondrestriction portion. That is, the movements in the ±X axis direction ofthe apparatus side terminal unit 70 are restricted by the first groove906 t and the second groove 906 w. Accordingly, positioning in the Xaxis direction of the cartridge side terminal group 521 with respect tothe apparatus side terminal group 721 may be performed with goodaccuracy. Therefore, contact between the apparatus side terminal group721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521 may be more properlyachieved. Moreover, since the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is able tobe held on both sides in the +X axis direction and the −X axisdirection, even when vibration or impacts from the outside are exertedduring the use of the printer 10, a deviation of the contact positionbetween the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge sideterminal group 521 due to the vibration and impacts may be furthersuppressed.

Moreover, in the above-described example, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 to30 and 36, the grooves 906 t and 906 w as the first and secondrestriction portions respectively have the D surfaces 948 and 968 thatcome into contact with the D surfaces 756 td and 756 wd of the endportions on the +Y axis direction side of the first and secondpositioning portions. Accordingly, the apparatus side terminal unit 70may be prevented from strongly impacting the bottom wall 988 in thecartridge concave portion 90 due to proceeding to far in the +Y axisdirection when the cartridge 4 is inserted into the cartridge mountingunit 6. Accordingly, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 may beprevented from being broken.

In addition, in the above-described example, as illustrated in FIGS. 27to 30, since the grooves 906 t and 906 w are respectively formed in thefirst and second side walls 902 t and 902 w, the first and secondrestriction portions for restricting the movements of the first andsecond positioning portions 756 t and 756 w may be easily formed. Inaddition, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 30, theconstituent elements of the cartridge 4 attached and detached by theuser are the grooves 906, and as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17, theconstituent elements of the cartridge mounting unit 6 which isstationary are the protruding members 756. Therefore, the possibility ofthe printer 10 or the cartridge 4 being damaged as the first and secondrestriction portions 906 t and 906 w of the cartridge 4 impact on theconstituent members of the printer 10 during attaching and detaching maybe reduced.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS.29, 30, and 33 to 36, the first and second restriction portions 906 tand 906 w respectively include the entrance parts 916 t and 916 w whichextend in the +Y axis direction from the openings 941 and 961 providedat the end surfaces on the −Y axis direction side and of which thedimensions in the Z axis direction are decreased in the +Y axisdirection. That is, the entrance parts 916 t and 916 w are provided tobe tapered by being gradually decreased in the dimensions in the Z axisdirection. Accordingly, even in a case where the cartridge 4 or thecartridge mounting unit 6 has a manufacturing error in the Z axisdirection, the restriction portion 906 provided in the concave portion90 of the cartridge 4 easily guides the positioning portion 756 of theapparatus side terminal unit 70 that is movable in the Z axis direction(FIG. 34). In addition, the first and second restriction portions 906 tand 906 w have the contact parts 926 t and 926 w that extend from theend portions in the +Y axis direction of the entrance parts 916 t and916 w, have constant dimensions in the Z axis direction, andrespectively come into contact with the first and second positioningportions 745 t and 745 w in the mounted state. Accordingly, as thepositioning portions 745 t and 745 w of the apparatus side terminal unit70 are guided to the entrance parts 916 t and 916 w and thereafteradvance to the contact parts 926 t and 926 w, positioning of theapparatus side terminal group 721 with respect to the cartridge sideterminal group 521 may be performed with good accuracy.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 28, in the above-described example,the dimensions in the X axis direction of the entrance part 916 aredecreased in the +Y axis direction from the −Y axis direction.Accordingly, even in the case where the cartridge 4 or the cartridgemounting unit 6 has a manufacturing error in the X axis direction, therestriction portion 906 may easily guide the positioning portion 756.However, since the dimension (width) in the X axis direction of each ofthe slots of the cartridge 4 or the cartridge mounting unit 6 issignificantly smaller than the dimension in the Z axis directionthereof, it is thought that the manufacturing error in the X axisdirection is relatively smaller than the manufacturing error in the Zaxis direction. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently achieve aneffect of facilitating the guiding of the positioning portions 756 t and756 w only by providing the tapered portions in the Z axis direction ofthe entrance parts 916, without providing the tapered portions in the Xaxis direction.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30, in this embodiment, theentrance parts 902 wa and 902 ta of the side walls 902 w and 902 t ofthe concave portion 90 also have the tapered shapes to correspond to theentrance parts 916 t and 916 w. That is, the distance (the interval inthe X axis direction) between the side walls 902 w and 902 t at theparts of the entrance parts 902 wa and 902 ta is reduced in the +Y axisdirection from the −Y axis direction. As such, by widening the openingsthat receive the apparatus side terminal unit 70 in the entrance parts902 wa and 902 ta of the concave portion 90, it is possible to easilyguide the apparatus side terminal unit 70 to the concave portion 90 ofthe cartridge 4.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 27, in the above-describedembodiment, at both side parts in the X axis direction of the surface 50fa in the bottom wall 988 of the concave portion 90, that is, betweenthe tilted surface 50 fa provided with the cartridge side terminal group521 and the first and second side walls 902 t and 902 w of the concaveportion 90, the pair of bottom wall side concave portions 910 t and 910w into which parts of the holder are inserted are provided. Due to thepair of bottom wall side concave portions 910 t and 910 w, approximatelytriangular surfaces are exposed on the +X axis direction side and the −Xaxis direction side of the cartridge side terminal group 521.Accordingly, in the case where the cartridge side terminal group 521 isprovided on the circuit board 50, it is possible to easily performmounting or removal of the circuit board 50. In addition, as illustratedin FIG. 16, the pair of protrusions 759 t and 759 w are provided on the+X axis direction side and the −X axis direction side of the apparatusside terminal group 721 so as to protrude in the direction including the+Y axis direction component and the −Z axis direction component withrespect to the surface 724 fa. The bottom wall side concave portions 910t and 910 w provided in the concave portion 90 are spaces thatrespectively receive the protrusions 759 t and 759 w. In addition, asthe protrusions 759 t and 759 w are received by the bottom wall sideconcave portions 910 t and 910 w, in addition to positioning of orsuppressing of a positional deviation between the cartridge sideterminal group 521 and the apparatus side terminal group 721 by therestriction portion 906 and the positioning portion 756, it is possibleto position the two or suppress a positional deviation therebetween evenat the positions close to the cartridge side terminal group 521 and theapparatus side terminal group 721. Accordingly, contact between theapparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group521 may be more properly achieved.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.28, elements that constitute each of the circuit board 50 and theconcave portion 90 are provided to be symmetrical with respect to the YZplane 28 c that constitutes the center of the dimension in the X axisdirection of the cartridge 4. In addition, although not shown in FIG.28, the YZ plane 28 c passes through the centers of the dimensions(widths) in the Z axis direction of the first locking portion 436 (FIG.25) provided in the first side surface 43 and the second locking portion446 (FIG. 25) provided in the second side surface 44. In addition, theleaf springs 684 and 604 (FIGS. 6 and 7) that lock the first lockingportion 436 and the second locking portion 446 intersect the YZ plane 28c. Therefore, a force is exerted by the apparatus side terminal unit 70,the leaf springs 604 and 684 (FIGS. 6 and 7), and the like on thecartridge 4 with a good balance in the state where the cartridge 4 ismounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6, and thus the cartridge 4 isnot easily tilted. Even according to this, it is possible to moreproperly achieve contact between the apparatus side terminal group 721and the cartridge side terminal group 521.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the cartridge mountingunit 6 has the holder 750 that holds the terminal block 724 (FIGS. 14 to16). That is, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal block 724is not directly mounted to the apparatus side front wall portion 62 butis mounted to the apparatus side front wall portion 62 via the holder750. Therefore, the terminal block 724 and the apparatus side terminalgroup 721 are components having excellent versatility. That is, theremay be cases where the positioning portion 756 for positioning theapparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group521 varies depending on the specification of the cartridge 4 or theprinter 10. The positioning portion 756 that needs a design change isnot provided in the terminal block 724 but is provided in the holder750, and thus the shapes of the terminal block 724 and the apparatusside terminal group 721 held in the terminal block 724 may be madeconstant. Accordingly, the terminal block 724 and the apparatus sideterminal group 721 are components having excellent versatility.

B. MODIFIED EMBODIMENT OF RESTRICTION PORTION

FIGS. 38A to 46B are schematic diagrams illustrating various modifiedembodiments of the restriction portion provided in the concave portion90. FIG. 38A is a front view of a first modified embodiment. FIG. 38B isa cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXVIIIB-XXXVIIIB of FIG.38A. FIG. 39A is a front view of a second modified embodiment. FIG. 39Bis a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXIXB-XXXIXB of FIG.39A. FIG. 40A is a front view of a third modified embodiment, and FIG.40B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXB-XXXXB of FIG.40A. FIG. 41A is a front view of a fourth modified embodiment. FIG. 41Bis a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXIB-XXXXIB of FIG.41A. FIG. 42A is a front view of a fifth modified embodiment. FIG. 42Bis a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXIIB-XXXXIIB of FIG.42A. FIG. 43A is a front view of a sixth modified embodiment. FIG. 43Bis a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXIIIB-XXXXIIIB. FIG.44A is a front view of a seventh modified embodiment. FIG. 44B is across-sectional view taken along the line XXXXIVB-XXXXIVB of FIG. 44A.FIG. 45A is a front view of an eighth modified embodiment. FIG. 45B is across-sectional view taken along the line XXXXVB-XXXXVB of FIG. 45A.FIG. 46A is a front view of a ninth modified embodiment. FIG. 46B is across-sectional view taken along the line XXXXVIB-XXXXVIB of FIG. 46A.In FIGS. 38A to 46B, the front views schematically illustrate theconcave portion 90 and the vicinity thereof, and the cross-sectionalviews schematically illustrate the concave portion 90 and the vicinitythereof. Regarding all the modified embodiments of FIGS. 38A to 46B, theconfigurations other than the configuration of the restriction portioninto which the positioning portion 756 of the holder 750 is inserted arethe same as those of the first example. In addition, in FIGS. 38A to46B, like elements in the same configurations as those of the firstexample are denoted by like reference numerals, and description thereofwill be omitted. In addition, the configuration of the printer 10 is thesame as the configuration of the first example. In addition, since thefirst and second restriction portions have the same shape, in thecross-sectional views in FIGS. 38A to 46B, for ease of understanding,the reference numerals illustrating the first restriction portion inaddition to the reference numerals illustrating the second restrictionportion are described together.

In all the modified embodiments of FIGS. 38A to 46B, convex portionsthat protrude in the −X axis direction from the first side wall of theconcave portion 90 and convex portions that protrude in the +X axisdirection from the second side wall are provided, and the first andsecond restriction portions are configured by the convex portions. Theconvex portions may be provided separately from the first and secondside walls of the concave portion 90 and may also be providedintegrally.

In the first modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 38A and 38B,grooves 906 ta 1 and 906 wa 1 having shapes similar to those of thefirst example are formed by convex portions 906 ta and 906 wa and sidewalls 902 ta and 902 wa, and the positioning portions 756 t and 756 w ofthe apparatus side terminal unit 70 are inserted into the grooves 906 ta1 and 906 wa 1. Entrance parts 916 a of the grooves 906 ta 1 and 906 wa1 are provided with tapered shapes only in the Z axis direction.Restriction of the movements in the ±Z direction of the positioningportions 756 t and 756 w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 isperformed by A surfaces (surfaces on the +Z axis direction side) and Bsurfaces (surfaces on the −X axis direction side) of the grooves 906 ta1 and 906 wa 1, and restriction of the movements in the +Y axisdirection is performed by D surfaces (surfaces on the +Y axis directionside) of the grooves 906 ta 1 and 906 wa 1. Restriction of the movementsin the ±X axis direction is performed by C surfaces formed by the sidewalls 902 ta and 902 wa. That is, the C surfaces are formed by parts ofthe side walls 902 ta and 902 wa.

In the second modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 39A and 39B, apair of convex portions 906 tb 1 and 906 tb 2 that protrude in the −Xaxis direction from a first side wall 902 tb of the concave portion 90and a pair of convex portions 906 wb 1 and 906 wb 2 that protrude in the+X axis direction from a second side wall 902 wb are provided. Theconvex portions 906 tb 1, 906 tb 2, 906 wb 1, and 906 wb 2 correspond toomission of the D surfaces (the surfaces on the +Y axis direction side)from the grooves 906 ta 1 and 906 wa 1 of the first modified embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 38A and 38B. Restriction of the movements in the +Zdirection of the positioning portions 756 t and 756 w of the apparatusside terminal unit 70 is performed by the convex portions 906 tb 1 and906 wb 1. Restriction of the movements in the −Z direction of thepositioning portions 756 t and 756 w of the apparatus side terminal unit70 is performed by the convex portions 906 tb 2 and 906 wb 2.Restriction of the movements in the ±X axis direction is performed bythe side walls 902 tb and 902 wb.

In the third modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 40A and 40B, apair of convex portions 906 tc 1 and 906 tc 2 that protrude in the −Xaxis direction from a first side wall 902 tc of the concave portion 90and a pair of convex portions 906 wc 1 and 906 wc 2 that protrude in the+X axis direction from a second side wall 902 wc are provided. The thirdmodified embodiment is different from the second modified embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 39A and 39B in that the opening ends in the −Y axisdirection of the convex portions 906 tc 1, 906 tc 2, 906 wc 1, and 906wc 2 are provided at the position of the opening 982 of the concaveportion 90 and the end portions in the +Y axis direction extend to theposition of the rear wall 986 of the concave portion 90, but otherpoints are common to the second modified embodiment.

In the fourth modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 41A and 41B, aconvex portion 906 td that protrudes in the −X axis direction from afirst side wall 902 td of the concave portion 90 and a convex portion906 wd that protrudes in the +X axis direction from a second side wall902 wd are provided. In the fourth modified embodiment, the convexportions 906 tc 2 and 906 wc 2 that restrict the movements in the −Zaxis direction of the positioning portions 756 t and 756 w of theapparatus side terminal unit 70 are removed from the third modifiedembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 40A and 40B. It is possible to restrictthe movements in the +Z direction of the positioning portions 756 t and756 w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 by the convex portions 906td and 906 wd. Since the movement in the −Z axis direction is restrictedas the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminalgroup 521 come into contact with each other, it is possible to omit thefunction of restricting the movement in the −Z axis direction. Inaddition, restriction in the ±X axis direction is performed by the sidewalls 902 td and 902 wd.

In the fifth modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 42A and 42B, aconvex portion 906 te that protrudes in the −X axis direction from afirst side wall 902 te of the concave portion 90 and a convex portion906 we that protrudes in the +X axis direction from a second side wall902 we are provided. In the fifth modified embodiment, D surfaces thatrestrict the movements in the +Y axis direction of the positioningportions 756 t and 756 w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 areadded to the convex portions 906 td and 906 wd of the fourth modifiedembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 41A and 41B. Other points are common tothe fourth modified embodiment.

In the sixth to ninth embodiments of FIGS. 43A to 46B, the entranceparts 916 b to 916 e formed in the tapered shapes are respectivelyomitted from the second to fifth modified embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 38A to 42B. Other points are common to the second to fifthmodified embodiments.

The same effects as those of the first example may also be obtained bythe modified embodiments as described above. However, it is natural thatthe effect of the restriction of the movements in the −Z direction isnot obtained by the restriction portions of the fourth, fifth, eighth,and ninth modified embodiments in which the function of restricting themovements in the −Z axis direction of the positioning portions 756 t and756 w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is not provided, and theeffect of the restriction of the movements in the +Y direction is notobtained by the restriction portions of the second to fourth and sixthto eighth modified embodiments in which the function of restricting themovements in the +Y direction is not provided. In addition, according tothe above-described modified examples, since the convex portions thatprotrude in the X axis direction are respectively provided to the firstside wall and the second side wall, the first positioning portion andthe second positioning portion may be easily formed.

C. MODIFIED EXAMPLE

While the single example of the invention has been described above, theinvention is not limited to the example and may employ variousconfigurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example,the following modifications can be made.

C-1. First Modified Example

In the above-described example, the cartridges 4 and 4 a have theprinting material accommodation portion 450. However, the case 9 maydirectly accommodate ink.

C-2. Second Modified Example

In the above-described example, the positioning portion 756 is providedin the holder 750. However, the positioning portion 756 may be providedin the terminal block 724 by simplifying the configuration of the holder750. In addition, in the above-described example, the apparatus sideterminal group 721 that elastically deforms is employed. However, theapparatus side terminal group 721 that does not elastically deform maybe employed. Even though the apparatus side terminal group 721 does notelastically deform, the apparatus side terminal group 721 moves slightlyin the +Z axis direction after coming into contact with the cartridgeside terminal group 521 when being inserted into the concave portion 90,and thus there is a possibility of the above-mentioned wiping effectbeing obtained.

C-3. Third Modified Example

In addition, the cartridge may be configured by the followingembodiment.

First Embodiment

A cartridge detachably mounted to a printing apparatus which includes acartridge mounting unit for mounting a cartridge, an apparatus sideterminal unit that has a surface tilted with respect to an insertiondirection when the cartridge is mounted and an apparatus side terminalhaving a contact point exposed from the surface, is disposed inside thecartridge mounting unit, is the apparatus side being mounted to bemovable in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction withrespect to the cartridge mounting unit, the cartridge including:

a case which has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape thataccommodates a printing material therein and has a concave portion at apart where two surfaces from among a plurality of surfaces constitutingthe case intersect each other; and

a cartridge side terminal which comes into contact with the contactpoint of the apparatus side terminal in a mounted state in which thecartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit and is provided on atilted surface that is tilted with respect to the insertion directionfrom among surfaces that partition and form the concave portion, whereinthe concave portion is a restriction portion into which a part of theapparatus side terminal unit is inserted to restrict a movement of theapparatus side terminal unit, and into which the part of the apparatusside terminal unit is inserted before starting a contact between thecartridge side terminal and the apparatus side terminal.

Even in the cartridge of the first embodiment, the same effect as thatof Application Example 1 is exhibited.

In addition, the first embodiment may employ the configurationsdescribed in any one of Application Examples 1 to 8. For example, as inApplication Example 2, the restriction portion (first and secondrestriction portions) may include contact surfaces with which parts(first and second positioning portions) of the apparatus side terminalunit come into contact, and the contact surfaces may include a +Z axisdirection side contact surface that comes into contact with a +Z axisdirection side end portion of the parts of the apparatus side terminalunit, and a −Z axis direction side contact surface that comes intocontact with a −Z axis direction side end portion of the parts of theapparatus side terminal unit.

In addition, for example, as in Application Example 3, the restrictionportion (first and second restriction portions) may include an entrancepart and a contact part.

C-4. Fourth Modified Example

The invention is not limited to the ink jet printer and the inkcartridges thereof, and can also be applied to arbitrary printingapparatuses that eject liquids other than ink and cartridges thereof.For example, the invention is able to be applied to various printingapparatuses and cartridges thereof as follows:

(1) Image recording apparatuses such as fax devices

(2) Printing apparatuses that eject color materials to be used formanufacturing color filters for image display devices such as liquidcrystal displays

(3) Printing apparatuses that eject electrode materials to be used forforming electrodes of organic EL (electroluminescence) displays, fieldemission displays (FED), and the like

(4) Printing apparatuses that eject liquid containing biological organicmaterials used for manufacturing biochips

(5) Specimen printing apparatuses as precision pipettes

(6) Printing apparatuses of lubricating oil

(7) Printing apparatuses of resin liquids

(8) Printing apparatuses that eject lubricating oil to precisionmachinery such as watches or cameras with pinpoint precision

(9) Printing apparatuses that eject transparent resin liquids such asultraviolet curable resin liquids onto substrates to formmicro-hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) or the like used for opticalcommunication elements or the like

(10) Printing apparatuses that eject acidic or alkaline etchants foretching substrates or the like

(11) Printing apparatuses including liquid ejecting heads that dischargea minute amount of other arbitrary liquid droplets

In addition, the “liquid droplets” represent liquid states dischargedfrom the printing apparatus, the liquid states including granular,tear-like, and thread-like shapes with trails. The “liquid” mentionedherein may be any material that can be ejected by the printingapparatus. For example, the “liquid” may be a material in a state wherethe material has a liquid phase, and liquid-state materials with high orlow viscosities, sol, gel water, liquid-state materials such asinorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resin, andliquid metal (metallic melt), and the like belong to the “liquid”. Inaddition to liquids as a state of a material, a material in whichparticles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments ormetallic particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed with the solventalso belongs to the “liquid”. As a representative example of the liquid,there is the ink described above in the embodiment or liquid crystals.Here, the ink may include various kinds of liquid-like compositions suchas general water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

What is claimed is:
 1. A case mountable to a mounting unit of a printingapparatus, the mounting unit comprising a printing material supply tube,an apparatus side terminal, a rail arranged to guide the case to amounting position and a locking member configured to lock the case atthe mounting position, the case comprising: a case side terminalconfigured to come in contact with the apparatus side terminal in amounted state that the case is mounted to the printing apparatus; and aconvex portion that is configured to have a first part and a second partwhich are to be inserted in the rail, wherein the locking member isinserted between the first part and the second part in the mountedstate.
 2. The case according to claim 1, wherein there are a pluralityof the apparatus side terminals, in the mounted state, the casecomprising: a front surface provided with a supply tube insertion holeconfigured and adapted to receive insertion of the printing materialsupply tube; a rear surface arranged to face the front surface; a firstside surface arranged to form an upper surface; a second side surfacearranged to face the front side surface; a third side surface arrangedto intersect with the front surface, the rear surface, the first sidesurface and the second side surface; and a fourth side surface arrangedto face the third side surface, wherein assuming that a Y axis directionis along a direction from the front surface toward the rear surface, a Zaxis direction is along a direction from the first side surface towardthe second side surface, and an X axis is along a direction from thethird side surface toward the fourth side surface, a center in the Xaxis direction of the convex portion is arranged to pass through a caseside terminal that comes into contact with the apparatus side terminalprovided in a central part in the X axis direction of the apparatus sideterminals and pass through a YZ plane that is a plane parallel to the Yaxis direction and the Z axis direction.
 3. The case according to claim2, wherein a center in the X axis direction of a locking portion formedbetween the first part and the second part is arranged to pass throughthe YZ plane.
 4. The case according to claim 2, wherein the YZ plane isarranged to intersect with the locking member.
 5. The case according toclaim 2, wherein the convex portion is formed on the first side surfaceand on the second side surface.
 6. The case according to claim 2,wherein a dimension in the X axis direction of a first convex portionthat is the convex portion formed on the first side surface is differentfrom a dimension in the X axis direction of a second convex portion thatis the convex portion formed on the second side surface.
 7. A cartridgemountable to a mounting unit of a printing apparatus, the mounting unitcomprising a printing material supply tube, an apparatus side terminal,a rail arranged to guide the cartridge to a mounting position and alocking member configured to lock the cartridge at the mountingposition, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge side terminal configuredto come in contact with the apparatus side terminal in a mounted statethat the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus; and a convexportion that is configured to have a first part and a second part whichare to be inserted in the rail, wherein the locking member is insertedbetween the first part and the second part in the mounted state.
 8. Thecartridge according to claim 7, wherein there are a plurality of theapparatus side terminals, in the mounted state, the cartridgecomprising: a front surface provided with a supply tube insertion holeconfigured and adapted to receive insertion of the printing materialsupply tube; a rear surface arranged to face the front surface; a firstside surface arranged to form an upper surface; a second side surfacearranged to face the front side surface; a third side surface arrangedto intersect with the front surface, the rear surface, the first sidesurface and the second side surface; and a fourth side surface arrangedto face the third side surface, wherein assuming that a Y axis directionis along a direction from the front surface toward the rear surface, a Zaxis direction is along a direction from the first side surface towardthe second side surface, and an X axis is along a direction from thethird side surface toward the fourth side surface, a center in the Xaxis direction of the convex portion is arranged to pass through acartridge side terminal that comes into contact with the apparatus sideterminal provided in a central part in the X axis direction of theapparatus side terminals and pass through a YZ plane that is a planeparallel to the Y axis direction and the Z axis direction.
 9. Thecartridge according to claim 8, wherein a center in the X axis directionof a locking portion formed between the first part and the second partis arranged to pass through the YZ plane.
 10. The cartridge according toclaim 8, wherein the YZ plane is arranged to intersect with the lockingmember.
 11. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the convexportion is formed on the first side surface and on the second sidesurface.
 12. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein a dimension inthe X axis direction of a first convex portion that is the convexportion formed on the first side surface is different from a dimensionin the X axis direction of a second convex portion that is the convexportion formed on the second side surface.